We at RelianceHMO will be sharing tips to increase awareness throughout the month and we hope you share the tips with friends and family.
Breast cancer which affects both MEN and WOMEN is more likely to be curable if the symptoms are detected early. Early detection and diagnosis can make an enormous difference in prognosis and outcome. So it’s worthwhile to be vigilant in watching for breast cancer symptoms and aggressive about asking for screening tests and check-ups.
Some symptoms to watch out for:
Itchy Breasts – This symptom, primarily associated with inflammatory breast cancer, is often missed. It is caused by fast-growing cancer cells, that block blood and lymph vessels that feed the skin. The normal flow of lymph through breast tissues is impeded, and fluid builds up in and under the skin
Changes in breast shape or appearance – Not all breast tumors cause a hard lump close enough to the surface to be noticeable. Some just change the shape and appearance of the breasts. These changes are caused by tissue growth that’s deeper in the breast or masked by dense breast tissue, which push out the shape or size of the breast without causing a noticeable lump
Change in nipple appearance or sensitivity – One of the most common locations for a breast tumor is just beneath the nipple. A normal nipple which suddenly becomes inverted, flattened, or indented should concern you.
REAS ALSO: Types of Breast Cancer Screening Fact Sheet
Swelling in or around your breast, collarbone, or armpit – Breast swelling can be caused by inflammatory breast cancer. Lumps around your collarbone or armpits can be caused by breast cancer that has spread to lymph nodes in those areas. The swelling may occur even before you can feel a lump in your breast
Painful, red and swollen breasts – Not all breast pain is caused by PMS. If your breasts have a fever (swollen, sore, hot and looks red) that persists after your menstrual cycle, you might have to get checked out
Nipple discharge – A discharge (other than milk) from the nipple may be alarming, although discharge can also be caused by an injury, infection, or a benign tumor (not cancer). Breast cancer is a possibility if the discharged fluid is bloody
Breast cancer awareness and early detection saves you a lot of problems, please be vigilant.
