Breast Cancer: Do You Know The Signs?
Beyond screenings: Detecting breast cancer begins with you
While breast cancer account for 1 in 3 cancers in women in the United States, it can occur in people of all genders. In fact, the National Breast Cancer Foundation estimates 310,720 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2024.
While regular screenings are an important step in detecting cancer, being familiar with your breast tissue and knowing what's normal for you can help you identify any concerning changes between screenings.
Here’s what to look for:
Breast Lumps
The most common and well-known sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass in the breast tissue. While not all lumps are cancerous, it's important to have any new lumps evaluated by a healthcare professional. Cancerous lumps tend to be:
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Painless
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Hard
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Have irregular edges
However, breast cancer lumps can also be soft, round, tender, or even painful.
Changes in Breast Appearance
Breast cancer can cause visible changes to the breast, including:
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Swelling of all or part of the breast
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Skin dimpling (often resembling an orange peel)
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Changes in size or shape
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Redness, dryness, flaking, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
Nipple Changes
Pay attention to any changes in your nipples, such as:
Skin Changes
Breast cancer can affect the skin of the breast, causing:
Pain
While most breast cancers are not painful in the early stages, some people may experience:
Lymph Node Changes
Breast cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes before it's detectable in the breast itself. Look out for:
Other Symptoms
In some cases, breast cancer may cause:
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Changes in breast texture
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A flat or indented area on the breast
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Differences in temperature between breasts
If you notice any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately.
Knowing what to look for does not take the place of having regular screenings for breast cancer that can often identify breast cancer before symptoms like those noted above appear.
If you’re not sure if you’re due for an annual screening, contact your doctor today. Finding breast cancer early gives you a better chance of successful treatment.
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Breast Health NURSE Navigator: An ally in your time of need.
A diagnosis of breast cancer can turn your world upside down. There are suddenly new terms and new care paths to navigate all while coming to grips with your diagnosis. The nurse navigator will be a constant presence and coordinator of the social, emotional and educational needs of the patient and family members. As a clinical navigator for breast health, the Nurse Navigator also provides valuable support and information to people concerned with the health of their breasts.
SVMC’s Breast Health and Imaging Center is pleased to offer the care and support of a full-time Breast Health Navigator to all patients who desire her assistance.
Seline Skoug, RN, MS helps patients navigate the healthcare system to ensure patients have a smooth journey through diagnostic imaging, breast biopsies and if needed transition to the Cancer Center team by providing:
To learn more about how Seline can help you or a loved one, contact SVMC’s Breast Health and Imaging Center at 802.440.4240.
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Malcolm Paine, MD, FACOG is a member of the Obstetrics and Gynecology team at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington, Vermont.
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