Common Signs of Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Prevention - Signs and Symptoms to Look Out For

Breast cancer is still the most common form of cancer among Filipinas, affecting around 1 in every 13. In 2018 alone, nearly 25 thousand new cases of breast cancer in women were reported, which translates to 31.4% of all new cancer cases in women that year. The Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) has also found that the Philippines has the greatest number of breast cancer patients (out of 197 countries) and is also the number 1 in Asia.

Knowing how your breasts normally look and feel is key in detecting visual signs of breast cancer. While It can’t be stressed enough how important it is to go for regular screenings, mammograms aren’t foolproof. As women, we also need to help ourselves by knowing the common signs of breast cancer so we can spot it early and seek treatment right away.

How to detect early signs of breast cancer

The most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. These are tender, soft, or round lumps that suddenly appear out of nowhere. Keep in mind that these aren’t limited to just the breast area per se. Some breast cancer lumps have also been found around the armpit area. If you feel a new mass in your chest area, have it checked out by a professional at once.

Other early signs and symptoms of breast cancer to watch out for are:

• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast

• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin

• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast

• Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area

• Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood

• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast

• Pain in any area of the breast

While these symptoms often indicate breast cancer, there are other conditions that also cause them, so keep that in mind.

If you notice any of these conditions, you should consult your doctor right away so you can get thoroughly checked.

While knowing what breast cancer may look like can help you spot it, it will never beat having regular mammograms and screening tests. These tests help you find breast cancer early, even before any symptoms appear. The earlier you detect breast cancer, the better your chances are at beating it.

I hope you’ve found these pieces of information useful. Spread the love by sharing these facts with your loved ones as well. Together, we can all fight breast cancer!