If you have these symptoms, you may have breast cancer!
In today's society, breast cancer has become a major threat to women's health, with tens of thousands of women diagnosed with the disease every year. Despite this, many people lack sufficient knowledge of the early symptoms of breast cancer, resulting in missing out on the best treatment. Knowing these symptoms can not only help you identify potential risks earlier, but also provide comprehensive protection for your life. If you notice any of the following symptoms, be sure to see a doctor in time for professional examinations to ensure your health and safety.
What is breast cancer?
•Breast cancer is cancer that starts in the breast.
•It is the most common type of cancer in women.
•Anyone can get breast cancer.
•The severity of breast cancer depends on the size of the cancer, whether the cancer has spread, and your overall health.
•Breast screening (mammogram) can detect breast cancers that are too small to feel or see, which may increase the success rate of treatment.
•Sometimes breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, which is called secondary breast cancer.
Main symptoms of breast cancer in women
Symptoms of breast cancer in women may include:
•A lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
•Changes in the skin of your breast, such as dimples (which may look like orange peel) or redness (which may be harder to see on dark or brown skin)
•Changes in the size or shape of one or both breasts
•Nipple discharge (if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding), which may contain blood
•Nipple shape or appearance changes, such as nipples turning inward (inverted nipples) or a rash (which may look like eczema)
•Breast or armpit pain that does not go away - breast pain that comes and goes is not usually a symptom of breast cancer
See your doctor if:
•You have a lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
•You have any unusual changes in your breast or nipple
•You have persistent breast or armpit pain
Important
Some of these symptoms, including breast lumps, are very common and may be caused by other conditions.
Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer, but it is important to see your GP for a check-up.
If your symptoms are caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it is easier to treat.
Find out about free mammograms near youIt’s important to have regular checkups so you know if your breasts are normal. This makes it easier to notice any changes in breast size, look or feel.
How Should A Breast Self-Exam Be Performed?
There are three steps necessary to perform a thorough breast self-exam. Each of these steps should be completed each time you perform a breast self-exam.
(1)In the Shower
With the pads/flats of your 3 middle fingers, check the entire breast and armpit area, pressing down with light, medium, and firm pressure. Check both breasts each month, feeling for any new lumps, thickenings, hardened knots, or any other breast changes.
(2)In Front of a Mirror
With your arms at your sides, visually inspect your breasts, looking for any changes in the contour or shape of the breasts, any dimpling, swelling, or other skin irregularities on or around the breasts, or any changes in the nipples.
Next, rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Look for any dimpling, puckering, or other changes, particularly on one side. Note that the left and right breasts will not exactly match—few women’s breasts are perfectly symmetrical.
(3)Lying Down
When lying down, the breast tissue spreads out evenly along the chest wall. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and put your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, move the pads of your 3 middle fingers around your right breast, covering the entire breast area and armpit.
Use light, medium, and firm pressure to feel for any new lumps, thickenings, hardened knots, or any other breast changes. Also squeeze the nipple to check for discharge. Repeat these steps for your left breast.
Programs that offer free mammograms
National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP): This CDC program provides free or low-cost mammograms to women who are uninsured or underinsured. Eligibility often includes:
Low-income status
Age 40 to 64
No previous insurance coverage for screening services
Local health department: Many state and local health departments offer free mammogram programs. Women can contact their local health department to ask about available services.
National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF): NBCF partners with hospitals across the country to provide free mammograms to women who meet income and insurance status. They have a directory of partner facilities where women can get screened.
Nonprofit Cancer Foundation: Offers mobile screening services to provide free mammograms to women around the community.
What to expect during a mammogram
During a breast screening, you will receive 4 mammograms (mammograms), 2 for each breast.
Mammograms are done by a mammologist (or mammologist). Mammologists are women.
A mammogram only takes a few minutes. The entire exam takes about 30 minutes.
Before starting, the mammologist will check your details and ask if you have any breast problems.
They will also explain what will happen during the screening and answer any questions you have. How to do a breast screening
Breast screening is usually done by 1 to 2 female mammogramists. You can ask them any questions or concerns you have.
Important
Breast screening is often uncomfortable and sometimes painful for some people.
You can talk to the mammologist, who is professionally trained to help you feel more comfortable and support you. You can also ask to stop the photography at any time.
Finally
Breast cancer is a threshold threat to women's health, and early identification is crucial! With regular mammograms, you can protect your life. There are many institutions that provide free mammograms. If you have related symptoms, please see a doctor in time to ensure your health and safety.