Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of death by cancer among women. In fact, according to American Cancer Society statistics, breast cancer claims the lives of more women than all other forms of cancer combined. It accounts for more death by cancer in women than any other cause combined. Although most women who have breast cancer are diagnosed with it after they have reached menopause, the earlier the cancer is detected the better the survival rate. Knowing the early signs of breast cancer can help you get the treatment you need.
Some of the other breast cancer signs and symptoms to look for are any new wounds or broken skin that does not heal. Look also for any redness, tenderness or pain in the area of the breast that has been affected by the cancer. Another sign to be aware of is unusual hair growth on the face and chest that are thin or missing. Another possible indication of cancer is sudden, inexplicable weight loss.
If you have any of the warning signs listed above or any other unusual breast tissue or skin, call your doctor immediately. Also, keep notes about your feelings. Is there a sudden pain in the area of the breast you were examining? What emotions are involved when examining the breast? Any other changes in the breast such as a change in color, texture, softness or size of the breast tissue or skin that you were unaware of may indicate other underlying conditions that require immediate medical attention.
Many women with suspected breast cancer develop a false sense of security. They think they have the disease when, in fact, they do not. It's very common for women to experience a false sense of security after their annual mammogram or when they receive a clinical diagnosis of breast cancer. It's important to remember that the majority of cases of breast cancer are not malignant. Most cases of breast cancer are non-cancerous and stem from changes in the breast tissue or skin.
A woman may notice a few breast cancer signs. However, there is more to detecting breast cancer than detection of abnormalities. A woman should be tested for any abnormal changes in breast tissue or skin that she notices. Women over the age of 50 years and those who smoke are at an increased risk for the development of cancer of the breast. Other risk factors include a history of cancer in the family and men with erectile dysfunction.
A woman can have changes in breast tissue or skin without being diagnosed with breast cancer. These signs include a change in size, shape, firmness or color of the breast. These changes, however, do not necessarily mean that a woman has cancer of the breast. These changes are normal and should not be cause for concern.
Some women undergo mammograms at age forty. While nearly all women do not get any abnormal results, some women do. These women should keep these findings in mind and make note of any changes in size, shape or color of the breasts. They should also notify their doctor if they notice any other signs in the area of the breast. Early detection of breast cancer dramatically reduces the chances of having to have surgery.