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Breast Cancer Symptoms - How to Spot Symptoms of Breast Cancer

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Whether you are a person who faithfully goes for their yearly mammogram or if you are someone who has recently been told by their gynecologist that a mammogram is necessary in their particular case, knowing the symptoms of breast cancer can only help you feel more at ease and in control of your health situation. Of course, you should get regular yearly mammograms simply to maintain good health and aid early detection of breast cancer, which is the best way of fighting breast cancer. However, in between those annual exams, it's a good idea to keep an eye out for breast cancer symptoms just to be on the safe side and keep on top of things.

So what are some of the symptoms of breast cancer that you should be looking for? These are by no means all-inclusive, but here are four common symptoms which can indicate possible breast cancer.

1) Hard Yet Painless Lump

You should constantly be doing breast self exams to monitor for hard and fibrous lumps in your breasts, which is often the first sign of breast cancer that many women notice. The lumps can take numerous forms. For instance, they might be irregular in shape and outer texture, or they may be smooth and round. They can also appear in any region of your breast, including around your underarms. The main point is, if you notice a lump in your breast - any kind of lump, anywhere in your breast - that is new, go immediately to your gynecologist and have it checked out. It's probably nothing, but it's better to be on the safe side.

2) Swelling

It's totally natural and normal for one breast to be larger than the other, however, if you notice one or both breasts swelling in a way that is not part of your normal monthly cycle, this can be an indication of abnormal growth. As with any of the other signs, it's something you will want to get checked out by your doctor.

3) Change in Color or Texture of Your Nipples or Areola

Much like spots on your skin of an irregular color or texture can be an indication of skin cancer, a change in the color or texture of any part of your breast, but particularly your nipple area, can be an indication of abnormal hormonal activity and is a possible warning sign for cancer. Especially be on the lookout for significant darkening or a change in texture to a sort of scaly or flaky texture.

4) Pain or Sensitivity in Your Breasts or Nipples

The last potential warning sign to look out for her cancer is feeling sensitivity or outright pain in your breast as a whole, but particularly in your nipple area. Just like with the shifting color and texture, this can be an indication of abnormal hormonal activity, and can thus be an early cancer indicator. Particularly if the sensitivity or pain is intense enough that you're not just feeling it during your self exams, but rather during the course of daily life when your bra rubs against it, or your body is bumped or jostled.

The main point is, these are merely possible indicators of breast cancer, certainly not a diagnosis in and of themselves. Breast cancer is treatable, and moreover these symptoms are by and large benign. So absolutely don't be afraid to go get them checked out.

Remember, if your symptoms do turn out to be early warning signs of cancer, the best way to treat it is early detection and intervention. Acting upon your body's signals by seeking professional treatment is a decision that could very well save your life!