Warning Signs of Breast Cancer: An Introduction
There are no classic
breast cancer warnings signs. That is why screening for the disease is so important.
Breast cancer screening prior to the appearance of symptoms and signs can help doctors find and treat cancer early. Also, treatment is more likely to work well when the disease is found early.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
- A change in how the breast or nipple feels
- A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area
- Nipple tenderness
- A change in how the breast or nipple looks
- A change in the size or shape of the breast
- A nipple turned inward into the breast
- Nipple discharge (fluid).
Is Pain a Warning Sign of Breast Cancer?
In its early stage, breast cancer usually does not cause pain. Still, a woman should see her healthcare provider about breast pain or any possible
breast cancer symptoms as early as possible so that problems can be diagnosed and treated. Keep in mind that most often, problems in the breast are not actually due to cancer but to other, less serious, health problems.
There are no early warning signs for breast cancer; however, there are things that people can do to decrease their risk of developing the disease. By knowing
breast cancer risk factors and protective measures, a person can decrease his or her chance of developing the disease
(see Breast Cancer Prevention).
