Most people know that a lump in the breast or armpit can be a sign of breast cancer, but there are six other things you should be keeping an eye out for that are lesser known
Breast cancer is the most common form of the disease in the UK with one woman diagnosed every 15 minutes. Early detection is crucial when it comes to the prognosis of the disease, which kills an average of 32 people every day.
Many of us know to look out for the most common symptom of breast cancer – a lump in the breast or armpit – but there are six lesser-known signs of the disease that we should be keeping an eye out for regularly, and if you notice any of them appearing then you should organise an appointment with your GP as soon as possible. Whilst your doctor can confirm the need for further tests or whether there is nothing to worry about, you should never take any risks with your health, and get any changes checked out – it’s always better to safe than sorry.
The first sign you should be looking out for – per the charity Breast Cancer Now – is a change to the appearance of the skin on your breast, particularly if it starts to dimple or pucker. Dimpling can look similar to the peel of an orange, the NHS explains. Equally, if you notice a change in the colour of your breast, you should book a GP appointment as a matter of urgency. If it becomes red, darker, or inflamed-looking, then this can be a sign of breast cancer and you may need further tests. This can be harder to spot on brown or black skin, so it’s important to familiarise yourself with the normal appearance of your breasts and the surrounding area.
The third symptom that you need to watch out for is a change to the appearance of your nipple, which may become inverted – pulled inward instead of outward – when breast cancer is present. Another nipple change that you should be mindful of is the appearance of a rash, which may look a bit like eczema or crusting. Equally, if you start getting discharge from your nipple – and you are not currently breastfeeding – then you should get this checked out as it can be a possible sign of breast cancer.
Another lesser-known sign is a change in the shape or size of your breast, this may affect only one of your breasts, or both, so it’s really important to know what is normal for you and your body so you notice any changes quickly. Pain in your breasts and armpits can also be a sign of breast cancer – particularly if it doesn’t go away and is consistently present for an extended period of time. It’s normal to get pains that “come and go” and this isn’t usually a cancer symptom, the NHS explains, but if it is consistent make sure you get it checked out by your GP.
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