One of the most common types of cancer among women is breast cancer. Statistically, around 14 percent of cancers are breast cancer. Since breast cancer is so common, it is important to learn more about our bodies, including the anatomy of our breasts and how they function. This will help you understand what changes are normal and which changes are not.
Breasts are made of breast and fatty tissue as well as veins, arteries, nerves, and connective tissues. The connective tissue is what helps keep everything in place. When we get older the function and the looks of the breast will change.
When the cells in the breast grow out of control, breast cancer starts. These cells often form a tumor that is visible on an x-ray or will be a lump that is felt on the breast. Many women and men develop lumps in their breasts and not all of them are cancerous.
While a lump is the most common symptom of breast cancer, there are other symptoms that you need to be aware of as well. Here are 15 symptoms of breast cancer that you should know about.
1. Lump
As mentioned, the most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump that is found either in the breast or in the area under the arm near the breast. To detect changes in your breasts, such as a lump, it is important to give yourself a self breast exam at least once per month.
If you discover a lump or an area of your breast that feels different than normal during your self breast exam it is a good idea to have it checked out by your doctor. Most of the time these lumps are benign and often times confused with cysts. A breast cyst is a sac of fluid found in the breast tissue and are fairly common. Cysts are not necessarily a symptom of breast cancer, but are worth getting looked at.
