How Do You Know You Have Breast Cancer? I Think I Do But Don’t Know For Sure.?
The only way to be sure is to go to your doctor who will refer you for the appropriate tests if s/he agrees it may be cancer.
Please don’t delay in doing this. I put it off for months, and I will never know if my breast cancer would have been less advanced had I gone to the doctor as soon as I was concerned.
You don’t say why you think you have it; all and any changes in the breasts should be investigated.
Early breast cancer may have no symptoms at all; signs of possible breast cancer are:
change in size – one breast may have become noticeably larger or lower
nipple change – if it becomes inverted (pulled in) or changes its position or shape
rash – on or around the nipple
discharge – from one or both nipples
puckering or dimpling – around nipple
swelling – under your armpit or around your collarbone (from lymph nodes)
lump or thickening – that feels different from the rest of the breast tissue
constant pain – in one part of your breast or in your armpit.
Remember that most breast lumps aren’t cancerous, but they must ALL be investigated.
Good luck.
November 30th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
How do I know if I have breast cancer?
It is important that every woman should become aware and remain aware of her breasts throughout her lifetime. Breast size and shape vary considerably from woman to woman and so do nipple size and shape. Breast self-awareness is important, by examining your breasts regularly you will become familiar with what is normal for your body and will be able to recognize changes promptly. Remember, there are many factors which may make them feel different at certain times of the month e.g. your menstrual cycle, just before a period breasts are known to get a little tender and feel lumpy.
In a lifetime, one in nine women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. [1] Determining whether or not you are at increased risk of breast cancer depends on many factors, such as your age, family history and, indeed your lifestyle. In the second of four articles marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the UK, we look at the diagnosis of breast cancer, and highlight some of the steps that women can take to help detect the disease early. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms – being “breast aware” and getting regular breast screenings are ways you can take care of yourself and raise the possibility of detecting breast cancer early. Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.
November 30th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
The only way to be sure is to see the doctor and have a mamogram done. A lump in the brest tissue can just as easily be fibrocystic disease.