Breast Cancers early warning signs

October is the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month since 1985.

Statistics show that 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer at some point in their lives. For men the statistics are not as high as women in which about 1 in 1000 will contract this disease.

To combat these statistics is early detection that is the key to improve your chances of survival. Concerns of this disease and it’s early warning signs should be discussed with your health care provider.

One of the top risk factors to contracting breast cancer is a strong family history of the disease.

Other risk factors include having a genetic defect in your DNA, obesity, and smoking. Knowing your breasts by doing monthly self breast exams is the first place to start.

Ideally after a shower while looking in a mirror check your breast and under arm area for any lumps. Changes in your breasts size or shape, redness, tenderness or flattening of the skin, nipple indentation or unexpected discharge, are also potently symptoms of breast cancer.

If you are experiencing any of those symptoms contact your doctor to have them checked out.

In addition to the basic examination they will order a mammogram and possible sonogram to aid in their diagnosis.

In some cases where an abnormal lump is detected a biopsy will be done to see if it is malignant or benign.
Since breast cancer is more common in women than in men, an annual mammogram done at least every 5 years is recommended for all women over the age of 40.