Knowing Breast Cancer Symptoms Means Early Detection

More than 200,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States alone on any given year. The disease is one of the leading causes of death in women within America. The death toll, however, is on the decline. It can continue to decrease if women pay attention to a basic list of breast cancer symptom possibilities.

The fact is women who know what type of breast cancer symptom possibilities to pay attention to and act upon can greatly increase their chances of surviving this devastating disease. The five-year survival rate for those who have detected cancer early and received treatment falls in around 96 percent. This is a very impressive figure that’s back by more than 2 million survivors – all people who knew the signs and acted on them.

Unfortunately, what comes in on the breast cancer symptom list can be rather vague. The signs for this condition include:

A lump or lumps found in the breast. This is perhaps the most widely know of different breast cancer symptom possibilities. When detected, a lump is generally found solo and it is almost always firm and painless.

Another top breast cancer symptom is the swelling of skin on the breast or underarm. If the appearance is unusual, it's a very good idea to get this checked out by a physician.

More visible appearance of veins on a breast's surface area. If the veins stand out more prominently on one breast over the other, it's a good idea to get this potential breast cancer symptom looked at by a professional.

Other breast changes. There are many breast cancer symptom possibilities that are less pronounced, but all can be lifesavers if they are spotted and acted upon. These symptoms include inverted nipples, a rash, texture changes in the skin on the breast or discharge from the nipples that isn't consistent with a woman in a period breastfeeding.

Another more visible breast cancer symptom is the appearance of a visible and/or noticeable depression found on a breast.

Since many of these breast cancer symptom possibilities can also be attributed to other causes, it's a very good idea to seek out an annual exam and undergo a mammogram as recommended by a physician. When detection is early, the chances for survival are greatly increased. This is one of the top reasons why so many physicians recommend monthly self-exams to look for any suspicious changes in breast shaping or texture.

Remember, too, that men can also contract breast cancer. The breast cancer symptom possibilities in the case of men will be similar, but detection isn't as frequent because men tend not to realize this form of cancer can strike them. In fact, nearly 1,600 men a year are diagnosed with the condition in the U.S. alone. Of that number, an estimated quarter dies.

Breast cancer in most cases can be very treatable and the chances for survival are generally quite impressive. This, however, only fits those who manage to detect the problem early. Inasmuch, monthly self-examinations and annual checkups are always in order. When it comes to increasing the chances for survival, knowing the breast cancer symptom possibilities is the key.

Breast Cancer Main Menu

Home
Contact Us
About Us

More Breast Cancer Information

Breast Cancer Awareness Can Save Lives

A Breast Cancer Ribbon Is More Than A Symbol

Knowing Breast Cancer Symptoms Means Early Detection

The Many Meanings of A Breast Cancer Bracelet

Breast Cancer Treatment Options Vary - Which Is Right For You?

What Is Metastatic Breast Cancer?