You might have heard of the term "bra cancer." But what is it and how does it affect you? If you or someone you know has breast cancer, there is no need to fear the dreaded term. In fact, this condition is not very common in the United States and many countries. Still, knowing its symptoms and signs can help you fight back against it and win.
The lump itself is usually not painful unless a person has a severe infection in the area. Sometimes the lump is hard or feels heavy. If it becomes infected with bacteria, it may become sore and then turn into a lump.
To diagnose this disease, a doctor will have a look at your breasts and possibly your underarm. A bra strap or other abnormal skin growth on your breast is another way to diagnose it. It is important to remember that this type of cancer is very rarely caught in the early stages, which is why most people do not survive it.
Cancer usually begins in the second year of life or so. If caught in the early stages, it has a very good survival rate. However, if the cancer is caught in its late stages, it has a terrible survival rate. However, if the cancer is caught in its early stage, there are still chances for a cure.
In order to detect bra change, you can do a test called a mammogram. This test will examine the tissue around your bra for changes. A bra that fits too tightly or looks different from your normal bras is one of the reasons that you may want to check it out. However, it should only be done during the regular monthly interval. Also, you can use this test to help decide if you need a new bra.
A change in the shape or size of your breast may indicate cancer. If the breast has changed, especially becoming smaller, you should definitely report it to your doctor. Another sign that you may have it is if the breast is bigger around than it used to be when you were younger. This is also another reason why you should get a mammogram to determine if there is a problem.
The last sign that you should watch for if you believe you have this type of cancer is the formation of a lump in the breast. The lump is not very often found, but if it is it can be cancerous. It should be removed by a doctor right away because of its potential to become malignant. If you feel that something is wrong with your breasts, you should make sure that you notify your doctor immediately.
Some women experience sagging breasts as well as pain and sensitivity. These are also signs of cancer. Sagging breasts can be a side effect of chemotherapy, radiation treatment, or the natural side effect of aging. Bra straps can also cause sagging. It is a good idea to take your bra off while you are sitting and lying down to prevent this from happening to you and to see if there is an odor associated with it.
Pain is also a common symptom. There are two kinds: the constant pain and the fluctuating pain that comes and goes. The constant pain is usually caused by the tumor pressing on the breast tissue, while the fluctuating pain is caused by the actual weight loss or gain of weight. To determine which you are experiencing, feel the area and then note any tenderness or soreness that you experience.
One of the signs that you should really look out for is any unusual lumps or tenderness. Sometimes the lump will just be a benign mole, but in some cases it can be cancerous. Another sign of possible cancer includes a change in shape of the breast or the skin surrounding the breasts. The skin may appear darker or lighter than usual and may be discolored. Any pain in the area of the breast or nipple that does not disappear after regular activities is probably not normal and should be checked out by a doctor.
Women who have experienced these symptoms in one or both of their breasts should visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis. If there is no definite diagnosis, treatment options include: removing the tumor, or having the breast removed if there is only one. Radiation therapy and mastectomies can also help to correct the cancer.