The statistics are staggering; one in eight women in the United States has either had or will have breast cancer during her lifetime. The National Breast Cancer Foundation predicts that over two-hundred thousand women and nearly two-thousand men will be diagnosed this year alone. And while it continues its reign as the second leading cause of death in women, it also continues to be highly responsive to early treatment.
In fact, early detection and treatment can significantly increase a patient's chance for recovery; the survival rate reaches nearly 95% for those who are treated quickly and proactively. But in order to increase your chance for detection - and subsequently receive this imperative treatment - every woman must be familiar with the symptoms.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with fifty percent of cases being diagnosed well into a woman's fifties. Subsequently, doctors and researchers recommend a lifetime of screenings that can help identify the early stages. Of course, in combination with medical screenings should be a comprehensive routine of breast self-examination to check for any abnormalities. In line with this self awareness should be a thorough knowledge of symptoms so that women can recognize the signs and be checked and treated early.
If early cancer is detected by the discovery of a lump in the breast, this is usually far in advance of any symptoms. This is why it is so important to conduct self-examination and be examined by a doctor during your routine gynecological exam. But cancer that continues to go unnoticed will often eventually begin to produce symptoms.
Aside from the finding of a lump in the breast, under the armpit, or above the collarbone, some of the more common symptoms include: nipple discharge, change in the shape of the breast, nipple inversion that did not exist previously, and redness, rash, or textural changes in the skin of the breast. Keep in mind, that all of these symptoms can also be attributed to a number of other disorders; it is absolutely imperative to check all breast changes or abnormalities with your doctor.
Breast cancer symptoms vary from woman to woman. Not every woman experiences every symptom. And when symptoms are experienced, the level and frequency with which they are experienced vary significantly depending on the cancer and the woman. Ultimately, it is most important that women know their own bodies and listen to the messages their bodies are sending them. Never let a doctor brush you aside with a promise that nothing is wrong if you feel differently. No one knows your body better than you do.
A diagnosis of breast cancer can sometimes feel like the end of the world. But the truth is, that in this day and age of continued medical and technological advancement, the odds of beating it are actually quite good if you are educated and involved in protecting your own health. Learn to recognize breast cancer symptoms and be an advocate for your own body.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Former Olympian Yvonne Buschbaum will have sex change
By: muscleguy | 23-11-2007
This is Yvonne Buschbaum, a German track and field athlete who took sixth place in the women's pole vault at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Buschbaum announced this week that she is retiring from track and field and that she will become a man."I feel as if I am a man and have to live my life in the body of a woman," Buschbaum said in a statement on her Web site. (The statement has been translated from German to English.) "I am aware of the fact that transsexuality is a fringe issue, and I do not want to be responsible for it remaining on the fringe." Although gender reassignment will likely involve Buschbaum taking hormones that are on the World Anti-Doping Agency's list of banned substances, Buschbaum says she has not taken any performance-enhancing drugs during her athletic career. Your thoughts? Do you know of any other athletes that have taken the plunge and had a sex change?
Why do we eat Turkey on Thanksgiving?
By: Jassygr | 22-11-2007
Why do we eat turkey on Thanksgiving? What is it about turkey that makes you so tired? Is it unhealthy to eat in large amounts?
Is obesity good or bad for the economy
By: lizzleliz1 | 20-11-2007
is obesity good or bad for the economy
Brai cells
By: Nachumi | 20-11-2007
At what age the brain cells begin to dye?
How often does a heart attack kill in the USA?
By: Aby | 19-11-2007
How often does a heart attack kill in the USA?
What are some good methods to treat very bad allergies?
By: lindseyd | 19-11-2007
I have really bad allergies to dust and the outdoors. I have tried different alergy meds but find that they just make me feel drowsy and don't do enough for my nasal congestion. Are there any natural remedies that i should look into or other methods that might help?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Non-Fiction Articles
Don't Let Good Grammar Spoil Good Writing
By: Philip Yaffe | 19/08/2008
Good grammar is fundamental to good writing, right? Wrong. However, years of experience working with people who use English as a second or third language have demonstrated that focusing too much on grammar can actually be detrimental to good writing. It's a question of priorities.
Modern Helicopters-the Eh-101 Merlin
By: K. Crockett | 16/08/2008
AgustaWestland is a joint venture formed by Agusta of Italy, makers of the A-109, and Westland of Great Britain, makers of the Lynx. The EH-101 is a direct competitor to the Sikorsky S-92 and was developed for both military and civil roles.
Animals
By: shivani suraiya | 15/08/2008
All about animals. About their origin, their lifestyles and their habitats including some interesting facts on different subjets. mostly based on mammals overing all extinct mammals around the world and which are not very well known.
The Three Speech Writing SECRETS You MUST Know - The Definitive Speech Writing How to Guide
By: Stuart Brown | 15/08/2008
In this article I am going to explore several techniques as to how you can improve your speech writing abilities, and also how to approach writing a speech for certain different circumstances. Whether it be for a wedding, where perhaps you are the best man, or for an important business meeting where you really need to impress. And tell you the three secret ingredients every speech needs.
Writing Your Thoughts – the Carrot and Stick Strategy
By: Nick Sanders | 14/08/2008
When you are writing, having a strategy in mind is rather useful – especially when you are wanting your reader to commit to something or someone. You will want to lead the reader in the direction you intend to finish upon and don’t want to cause confusion and misdirection in your writing. Here are a few tips on the carrot and stick strategy of writing that is good to use in a time of need.
Science: Guaranteed to Curb Creative Thinking!
By: Natasha | 13/08/2008
In today's sci- fi world dominated by facts and figures, the essence of life and belief in God's miracles have been thrust aside as illogical and futile, nonetheless God NEVER fails to surprise us....
How to Develop Your Book’s Structure
By: Melinda Copp | 12/08/2008
A man came to me last week because he needed help writing his book. He told me that he’s had this project on his to-do list for years, but he just couldn’t seem to get started. He’s literally been staring at the task—start writing my book—almost every day, and when he came to me, he still hadn’t done it.
How to Write a Bibliography
By: Stuart Brown | 11/08/2008
If you're like me, you probably put your heart and soul into creating a wonderful paper, essay or article. You know that you conducted the necessary research and that you wrote a sound paper. However, you are now at the end and you may be wondering, how can you write a bibliography? Well, I am here to tell you how.
More from Riley Hendersen
The Cause Of Acne Is Not Easy To Pinpoint
By: Riley Hendersen | 20/06/2007 | Non-Fiction
In many medical conditions, finding the cause can often lead to the cure. When the condition happens to be acne, that prospect can become rather muddied. The cause of acne doesn't lie with any single culprit in every case. The reasons for the appearance of this condition generally vary from person to person.
Is An Acne Cure Out There?
By: Riley Hendersen | 14/06/2007 | Non-Fiction
While the prospect of actually having to take time to find an acne cure likely won't please those in the throes of a major breakout, there is hope. The variety of different proven treatments is rather spectacular. With a little effort, it is more than possible for most acne sufferers to find one that helps them out at least a little if not a whole lot.
Adult Acne Is A Real Concern For Many
By: Riley Hendersen | 08/06/2007 | Non-Fiction
Many teenagers endure the agony that is acne with one thought in mind: Someday it will go away. While this is true for many, the reality is this condition can reappear later in life. For about a quarter of the male population and half the female, adult acne is an unwelcome reminder of adolescence. According to many physicians, adult acne is a fairly common occurrence.
Use These 7 Acne Skin Care Tips To Ensure Healthy Skin
By: Riley Hendersen | 04/06/2007 | Non-Fiction
There's an old saying that people should take care of the skin they're in. While this absolutely correct, those who suffer from acne might have a harder time of it. Handling skin that's prone to break outs, blemishes and even scarring can present challenges, to say the least. There are some solid acne skin care tips that can help.
Read Labels Carefully If You Suffer Gluten Allergy
By: Riley Hendersen | 30/05/2007 | Non-Fiction
For those who suffer with gluten allergy, or a wheat allergy, it can be hard to find foods that do not contain this product. Bread and bread products are generally off limits for these people. In addition, sufferers should read ingredient labels carefully to decide which foods are safe to eat and which might cause an allergic reaction.
The Facts About Your Cholesterol Level
By: Riley Hendersen | 30/05/2007 | Non-Fiction
Understanding cholesterol level and its implications on health can save a life. At the very least, the information can help a person make conscious decisions about their health and what they can do to improve it. Heart disease is a silent killer, but there are warning signs. Cholesterol level is a rather loud and clear sign.
Music Sounds Great With A Sirius Satellite Radio
By: Riley Hendersen | 30/05/2007 | Satellite Radio
Are you a music fanatic? Do you love your tunes? Do you hate interruptions by commercials, news and other public service announcements while you are trying to enjoy your favorite music? With Sirius Satellite Radio, you can have the best of the music world. A constant stream of your favorite music presented free of commercial interruption brought to you by satellite.
Know How to Identify An Arthritis Symptom
By: Riley Hendersen | 29/05/2007 | Non-Fiction
There comes a time in everyone's life when age starts to creep up on us. As we grow older, most people wake a little stiffer in the morning and experience typical aches and pains, but how do you know if it's arthritis that's troubling you? Knowing how to identify an arthritis symptom can take a load of worry off your mind.
Writing 
