A sharp pain in your breast, some small amount of tenderness, a hardly noticeable lump or nodule – all these signs can be scary.  And get you worried. Which, frankly speaking, you should be. You may start wondering if it is something serious. The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. While a painless, hard mass, with irregular edges, is more likely to be cancer, breast cancers can be tender, soft, or rounded. Generally, breast cancer shows no significant symptoms in the early stages, yet early detection can may all the difference between being a survivor or not. For this reason, it is important to have any new breast mass or lump or breast change checked by a health care provider experienced in diagnosing breast diseases. So, what are the signs and symptoms all women should look out for?

Recognizing the early signs

There’s a litany of early signs of breast cancer that you must look out for. These include:

However, a cautionary note here would not be out of place. Most of us associate pain with something seriously wrong, so when we feel pain or tenderness in the breast, we often assume it’s caused by breast cancer. But, breast pain is rarely the first (noticeable) symptom of breast cancer. There are many factors can cause the pain. Breast pain can also be caused by:

• Hormonal fluctuations caused by menstruation
• Certain birth control pills
• Infertility treatments
• An ill-fitting bra
• Breast cysts
• Over-large breasts. This pain may be accompanied by neck, shoulder, or back pain
• Stress

Later signs of breast cancer could include:

• Retraction, or inward turning of the nipple
• Enlargement of one breast
• Dimpling of the breast surface
• An existing lump that gets bigger
• Vaginal pain
• Weight loss for no reason at all
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit
• Visible veins on the breast
• Changes in the shape of the nipple or the breast
• Swelling, shrinkage, hollowness, anywhere in the breast or nipples is a danger sign.
• Constant breast pain that continues after your periods
• Continuous pain in the breasts or armpits can be another symptom of breast cancer. Don’t wait for it to grow, and the pain to get worse. Make an appointment with the doctor.
• A new lump in the breast
• Swollen breasts or a lump or nodule in the breast, could point to breast cancer. If you have felt that in your breasts, visit the doctor immediately.
• Nipple discharge that is clear, red, brown, or yellow, from one breast
• Liquid discharge from a breast might be a sign of danger. The discharge could be bloodlike or clear liquid. If a new mother is not lactating period but is still discharging a milky liquid, it would be a very good idea to visit the doctor. Just to make sure that there’s nothing wrong.
• Unexplained redness, swelling, skin irritation, itchiness, or rash on the breast
• Scales and redness or sudden asymmetry in skin of the breast can be a negative indication. Change in the skin of the breast to orange peel texture and widened pores are significant symptoms of breast cancer.
• Swelling or a lump around the collarbone or under the arm
• Breast cancer can spread to the lymph nodes under the arm or around the collar bone, causing a lump or swelling there – even before the original tumor in the breast tissue has grown large enough to be felt. Swollen lymph nodes should also be checked by your doctor. A hard lump with irregular edges is also likely to be cancerous

So, if your breast pain is getting you worried, it might be a good idea to check it out with your doctor. And put your mind at rest.

BY BY THIYAGARAJAN VELAYUTHAM, FOUNDER, IHHC| OCTOBER 12TH, 2018