Studies estimate that 316,120 new cases of breast cancer and 40,610 breast cancer deaths will occur this year for females in the US. These are startling numbers, but here is another newsflash – did you know that 2,470 new cases of breast cancer and 460 breast cancer deaths will occur this year for men in the US? Often considered a “women’s” disease, many men do not seek treatment when they notice changes in their breast area because they do not associate breast cancer with “men”.
The warning signs of breast cancer are similar regardless of gender and should never be overlooked. Due to improved technology, most breast cancers in the US are found at an early stage and are treatable. Detection starts with you! Here are signs to watch for, but note these symptoms may also be signs of benign, non-cancerous conditions. It is always best to get examined by a health care provider to be safe. And remember, that this examination should be a part of your covered annual physical and gynecological visits even when no symptoms are present.
- Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area.
- Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast.
- Change in the size or shape of the breast.
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin.
- Itchy, scaly sore, or rash on the nipple.
- Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast.
- Nipple discharge that starts suddenly.
- New pain in one spot that does not go away.