Breast Cancer — What to Watch For

Posted: March 1, 2005

If you notice any of the following changes to your breasts, contact your doctor:

• A lump or swelling
• Skin irritation or dimpling
• Nipple pain
• Redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin
• Discharge other than breast milk
• Enlarged lymph nodes under the arm

Many times, these symptoms are not caused by cancer, but you need to have a doctor examine your breasts to determine if further tests are required.

When doing a breast self-exam, it’s important to remember that each woman’s breasts are different, and that changes can occur because of aging, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, or taking birth control pills or other hormones.

It is normal for the breasts to feel a little lumpy and uneven. Also, it is common for a woman’s breasts to be swollen and tender right before or during her menstrual period.

Women in their forties and older should be aware that a monthly breast self-exam is not a substitute for regularly scheduled screening mammograms and clinical breast exams by a health professional.

Women at high risk: Women with a higher risk of breast cancer should talk with their doctor about the best approach for them. This might mean starting mammograms when you are younger, having extra tests or having more frequent exams.

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