African Women..What are the symptoms of Breast Cancer?

What are the symptoms of Breast Cancer?

In its early stages, breast cancer usually has no symptoms. As a tumour develops, you may note the following signs:

• A lump in the breast or underarm that persists after your menstrual cycle; often the first apparent symptom of breast cancer, breast lumps are painless, although some may cause a prickly sensation. Lumps are usually visible on a mammogram long before they can be seen or felt.

• Swelling in the armpit.

• Although lumps are usually painless, pain or tenderness in the breast can be a sign of breast cancer.

• A noticeable flattening or indentation on the breast, which may indicate a tumour that cannot be seen or felt.

• Any change in the size, contour, texture, or temperature of the breast; a reddish, pitted surface like the skin of an orange could be a sign of advanced breast cancer.

• A change in the nipple, such as an indrawn or dimpled look, itching or burning sensation, or ulceration; scaling of the nipple is symptomatic of Paget's disease, a localised cancer.

• Unusual discharge from the nipple that may be clear, bloody, or another colour. It's usually caused by benign conditions but could be due to cancer in some cases.

• A marble-like area under the skin.

• An area that is distinctly different from any other area on either breast.

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