You probably know that mammograms are the gold standard for breast cancer detection, and that they save lives. But did you know that about 40% of breast lumps are detected by women during a breast self-exam?
In addition to mammograms, breast self-awareness is an important part of breast health.
What should you be looking for?
Skin changes. Look for puckering, dimpling, flaking, redness or thickening of skin on the breast or for changes in shape, size or symmetry. The best way to do this is by standing in front of a mirror, first with your arms at your side, then with your hands on your hips, and finally with your hands above your head and your palms pushed together. This allows you to see your breasts from different angles and note any changes.
Pain or Loss of Feeling. Whether it’s in the breast itself or in the nipple, pain is your body’s way of saying that something isn’t right. Call your doctor if you experience pain or loss of feeling in part of your breast, particularly if it persists or comes at a time in your menstrual cycle when your breasts are not tender.
Nipple discharge. Unless you are lactating, tell your doctor if you are experiencing nipple discharge. Many things can cause nipple discharge (even stress), but clear or bloody discharge should be reported to your doctor.
Retracted, inverted or downward-pointing nipple. People with breast cancer sometimes notice changes to their nipples. Nipples can become flat, retracted, inverted or begin to point downward. Call your doctor if you notice this change.
Lump in your armpit or near your collarbone. If breast cancer has spread to your lymph nodes, you may notice lumps in your armpits or near your collarbone. If you notice this or any other concerning symptom, call your gynecologist or speak with an expert at one of the Hoag Breast Centers.
Hoag’s expert breast surgeons are available for consultations. For an appointment at our breast center in Newport Beach call 949-764-8281 and for Irvine call 949-557-0186 and press 3.
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