Breast cancer is a type of cancer which develops in breast cells. Cancer develops in either lobules or the ducts of the breasts. It can also occur in the fatty tissue or the fibrous connective tissue within the breast. Although most of us think women who are diagnosed with breast cancer share a common experience of having a lump that wasn’t there before which ultimately turns out to be cancerous but according to a study, around 1 in 6 women eventually diagnosed with breast cancer initially visit their doctors with a symptom other than lump. Yes, lump is not the only symptom you need to watch out for and there still are a lot of women who think lump is the sole indicator of breast cancer. Therefore, a woman who is experiencing a symptom of breast cancer other than lumps is more likely to wait to see a doctor, which may put her at the risk of worst outcomes in future. Here are a few of those symptoms that every woman should watch out for.
Scaly skin
Having a rough patch of skin that feels scaly or thicker than usual can be a warning sign of breast cancer. In some cases, the channels that go from the inside of the breast to the skin become blocked, leaving the skin around breast look like an orange peel.
Swelling
There is a good chance that you have a lump lurking under the surface but you don’t feel it. This might change the shape as well size of your breast and can even give you pain.
Also read: Easing Side Effects of Cancer Treatment with Diet
Nipple changes
Some breast cancers may lead to nipple inversion or retraction, in which the nipple turns inward. This typically occurs due to a mass growing inside the breast that changes breast shape. In the recent research, 7% of the women who were diagnosed with breast cancer reported to have nipple abnormalities.
Nipple discharge
Nipple discharge, not to be confused with breast milk, is also an abnormality associated with nipple. Although most cases of nipple discharge are not cancer but it becomes pivotal to visit a doctor if the discharge comes out without you touching the breasts much less you squeeze it, especially if the discharge is bloody and only affecting one side.
Also read: 10 Cancer Symptoms in Women
Factors that increase the chances of breast cancer
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Late pregnancy
- Family history
- Being overweight or underweight
- Overconsumption of oral contraceptive
- Early puberty or late menopause
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