What Are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

One in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Most likely, you know at least one person who has had breast cancer, whether it’s a relative or a friend. It can be extremely frightening to worry about getting breast cancer, but annual screenings and early detection result in very positive outcomes for most women. Understanding the symptoms of breast cancer can help you remain in control of your health.

Monthly Exams: Discovering a Lump

One of the most common symptoms of breast cancer is the discovery of a lump in the breast. There are many reasons women have lumps, so having one does not automatically mean you have cancer. Milk ducts can clog, you can get a cyst or boil, or it can just be an infected lymph node because your body is fighting an illness. But monthly exams are an important way to discover changes in your breast that may indicate cancer, including a lump.

Nipple and Skin Changes in the Breast

While a lump is the most common (or commonly discussed) breast cancer symptom, other symptoms, like changes to the skin texture and color, or changes to the nipple, can also indicate breast cancer. If your breast swells, turns red, or changes in consistency (it’s often described as looking like an orange peel), you should consult with your physician. If one breast is visibly larger than the other or feels heavy, or if you have a discharge from your nipples and you are not currently lactating, you should contact your doctor.

Is Breast Pain a Symptom of Breast Cancer?

There is a wide variety of reasons for breast pain. While breast pain can indicate breast cancer, it is more often a result of hormonal changes. Breast pain by itself may not be cause for alarm but combined with other symptoms can indicate breast cancer.

Mammograms Detect Breast Cancer Before You Can See or Feel It

An annual breast exam and mammogram are the best way to ensure you detect breast cancer early enough to treat it. Mammograms can detect lumps before they can be felt. Mammograms save lives. 

Our state-of-the-art facility offers the newest in 3D mammography in a spa-like setting so that our patients are fully relaxed and comfortable during testing. No appointment is needed at PURE. Stop by today or give us a call at 631-652-3424 to learn more about our top-notch mammography center.