Breast Cancer: Signs and Symptoms

Every one of us probably knows a woman with breast cancer - a mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, or friend. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), more than 178,000 women in the United States will be found to have invasive breast cancer in 2007, and more than 40,000 women will die from the disease this year. Right now, there are more than two million women living in the United States who have been treated for breast cancer. ("How Many, ACS" 2006).

The ACS also found that the chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer some time during her life is about 1 in 8. However, the chance of dying from breast cancer is about 1 in 33. Breast cancer death rates have declined over the years, most likely due to early detection and improved treatment options.

When the disease is discovered early, you have more treatment options and a better chance for a cure. To enable early detection, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

Although most breast lumps are not cancerous, the most common sign of breast cancer for both men and women is a lump, or thickening, in the breast - even if it is painless. The Mayo Clinic lists other potential signs of breast cancer, including:

* A spontaneous clear or bloody discharge from your nipple, often associated with a breast lump.
* Retraction or indentation of your nipple.
* A change in the size or contours of your breast.
* Any flattening or indentation of the skin over your breast.
* Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, like the skin of an orange.

There are other reasons that can cause your breasts to change in size or feel, such as pregnancy and your menstrual cycle. Causes of noncancerous (benign) breast changes include fibrocystic changes, cysts, fibroadenomas, infection or injury. If you find a lump or other change in your breast, see your doctor for evaluation.

Sources:

* "Breast Cancer". 10 May 2007. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 19 Sept. 2007.
* "How Many Women Get Breast Cancer?", Cancer Reference Information. 26 Sept. 2006. American Cancer Society. 19 Sept. 2007.

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