Know the Symptoms of Breast Cancer

During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you’ve probably seen a lot of ribbons and pink products. You may have also participated in a race or walk to raise money for breast cancer research. You were probably also reminded of the importance of mammograms, but can you name the symptoms of breast cancer?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women may not have any symptoms during the beginning of breast cancer, but symptoms do appear as the cancer grows. They include:

• New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit)
• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
• Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood
• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast
• Pain in any area of the breast

If you’re 40 or older, or if you’re experiencing symptoms or have a family history of breast cancer, ask for a mammogram for early detection. The CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program helps underserved women in the US gain access to breast cancer screenings. Find a local breast cancer detection program online.

(Image via WikiMedia Commons)