Warning Signs of Breast Cancer

You might find a suspicious lump by doing a regular, breast self-exam or your doctor might discover it after a routine mammogram. The goal is to make breast health a priority in your life so that you can detect any issues early and seek treatment sooner rather than later.

Research shows that minorities tend to seek treatment at later stages in the disease, which makes breast cancer harder to treat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are warning signs that every woman (and man) should be aware of as a result. They are listed here:

• 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.

Keep in mind that some of these warning signs can happen with other conditions that are not cancer. However, if you have any of the signs above and it worries you, seek a doctor’s care as soon as possible. Don’t wait until symptoms worsen or “get better.”