Dushyant Gandotra
It is not to be mentioned that breast cancer is an ailment that is attacking a huge percentage of women all over the world.
The underlying reason why such a huge proportion of women in the world are getting affected by breast cancer is that they are not aware of the initial warning signs of breast cancer.
Cancer in the breasts takes place due to the development of a small tumor in the breast tissues. The whole world wants to know the other symptoms of breast cancer besides a lump.
In this article, we talk about ten warning signs of breast cancer that every woman should be aware of.
Screening tests and regular checkups such as Pap smears and mammograms as well as knowledge about your body are all very crucial for good health. Which symptoms are worth bringing up to your doctor’s attention?
Read about these symptoms and check yourself wisely!
1. Breast Changes
If you feel a lump in your breast, you mustn’t ignore it, even if your mammogram is completely normal. If your nipples get scaly or start to renege, that could be the Paget’s disease, which is most of the time seen to be linked to underlying cancer in more than 95% of cases.
Any nipple discharge, be it milky or bloody, should also be checked out. Dimpling of the breast’s skin, particularly if it is turning into an orange shade is something that you should check.
Such dimpling is more often linked to inflammatory breast cancer, a rare and usually aggressive cancer characterized by swollen and redbreasts.
Expect your doctor to perform a breast exam and ask for your medical history, followed by a mammogram and probably a sonogram.
2. Irregular Bleeding
Once you hit menopause, any postmenopausal bleeding is a warning sign. Any bleeding, staining, little drops on your underwear are abnormal and must be immediately investigated.
Such bleeding could also indicate something as benign as an endometrial polyp or maybe something serious like an endometrial or even cervical cancer.
3. Rectal Bleeding
Colon cancer is considered the third most common cancer in women. One of the hallmarks of colon cancer is rectal bleeding, which many people relate to hemorrhoids, which is the most common cause.
However, red or dark blood in your stool demands a visit to your doctor.
4. Discharge
A smelly or foul vaginal discharge could also be a symptom of cervical cancer. The release might contain blood and might also occur between periods or even after menopause.
It’s best not to treat your discharge with over-the-counter medications.
5. Bloating
Ovarian cancer takes the most number of deaths amongst all the reproductive-organ types of cancer. For years it’s been known by the name of the silent killer, and we need to know the exact symptoms to stay safe.
The four most frequent symptoms of cancer are:
• Feeling that you’re getting full sooner than you do.
• Bloating
• Changing bowel habits, such as increasing the urinating frequency.
• Lower back or pelvic pain
So if you see any such symptoms in your body, please go and check your doctor.
6. Unexplained Weight Gain or Loss
If you suddenly gain 5 pounds, you need not worry. But gaining undeserving weight every month, especially if you usually have a habit of maintaining body weight and control your diet, it might as well be due to a buildup of fluid in the belly linked to cancer.
Unexplained weight loss of more than 10 pounds is usually the first symptom of cancer and is more often linked to pancreatic, esophagus, stomach, or lung cancer.
However, if you are working hard on losing weight and then shed pounds, congratulations!
7. Persistent Cough
Any an obstinate cough– one that lasts more than a few weeks and is not due to an upper respiratory infection, allergy or one that produces blood — needs to be tested by your doctor.
8. Change in Lymph Nodes
If you feel some hardened lymph nodes in your neck or under your armpit, you should go and consult your doctor.
Don’t wait too much for other symptoms to appear. If you feel like asking a doctor, do it quickly.
9. Fatigue
The American Cancer Society explains fatigue as “extreme tiredness that does not get better with rest.”
So if you’re feeling fatigued more often than not, it’s a warning sign. Leukemia, colon, or stomach cancer — which can result in blood loss — can cause fatigue.
10. Skin Changes
Keep a check on any changes that you notice on your skin all over your body, and call your doctor straight away if anything concerns you.
Changes in pigmented lesions or moles on the vulva can also be a symptom of breast cancer. Vulvar melanoma can often be overlooked and might have a very aggressive course.
You can go for a simple biopsy to get assurance about the diagnosis.
