Breast cancer can affect both men and women and is caused by the abnormal presence of cancerous cells within the tissues of the breast. The National Cancer Institute estimates that over 190,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. If you are concerned about developing this condition, discuss the seven warning signs of breast cancer with your doctor so that you can readily identify breast problems if they arise.
Breast Lumps
One of the most common warning signs of breast cancer is the development of hard, thickened lumps within the tissue of the breast or under the armpit. In women with breast cancer, these lumps are often clumps of cancerous cells that join together and begin to form small tumors within the breast tissue. Abnormal lumps within the breast can be tender to the touch but may not cause additional symptoms.
Dimpled Breast Skin
If you have breast cancer, you may notice that the skin of your breasts begins to abnormally dimple or pucker. Women who develop misshapen or bumpy breast tissue should contact a gynecologist or doctor as soon as possible for additional medical evaluation, as such symptoms may be indicative of breast cancer.
Breast Pain
You can begin to experience abnormal breast pain or tenderness as a warning sign of breast cancer. Cancerous tumors within your breast tissue can be sensitive to the touch and can cause you to experience dull, aching sensations of pain within your breasts.
Changes in Breast Size or Shape
Cancerous cell growth within your breast tissue can alter the size or shape of your breasts. You may notice that one or both of your breasts appear larger than usual due to swelling and inflammation caused by breast cancer. Certain women can develop lumps within the breast tissue that cause the breast to appear misshapen.
Retracted Nipple
If your nipple turns inward into your breast (retracted nipple), you may have breast cancer. Cancerous tumors within your breast can cause changes in your breast tissue and can affect the normal appearance of your nipples.
Nipple Rash
A red, irritated or scaly rash on the skin of your breast or nipple can be a warning sign of breast cancer in some women, explain health professionals at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you develop a rash on your breast or nipple due to breast cancer, you may notice that this skin region become itchy or flaky. Certain women can develop a breast skin rash that is also tender or sensitive to the touch.
Nipple Discharge
Abnormal nipple discharge that occurs suddenly can be a warning sign of breast cancer. Nipple discharge can also occur in conjunction with breast pain or a nipple rash.
