How to Detect Breast Cancer: The Ultimate Guidelines

Breast cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of malignant cells within the breast tissue. These malignant cells in some cases develop lumps or tumors. When a woman finds an unusual mass in her breast, it can be either malignant or non-malignant, although 80% of the lumps found in the breast are non-malignant and therefore are not cancerous. However, if the diagnosis shows that the mass is indeed malignant, further treatment must be done. Otherwise, the cancer cells can spread to other areas of the body and can lead to death. Women are advised to know how to detect breast cancer to prevent the worst from happening. Thanks to advanced medical technology, there are ways to detect the cancer in its early stages and even before it starts showing symptoms.

Women aged 40 and older are advised to get an annual mammogram and should continue doing this as long as they are in good health. Although this diagnostic technique involves the use of x-ray, the level of radiation is low. It is able to find cancer cells even before they start showing symptoms. The other, simpler method of how to detect breast cancer is by simply performing Breast Self-Examination (BSE) every month. This method is ideal for women in their 20s and should be performed a week after period. Start by lying down on your back, put your right hand behind the head, and press gently around your right breast using the tips of your finger in a small circular motion. Do the same to the left breast by putting the left hand behind the head. Women in their 20s and 30s are also advised to see a doctor for a Clinical Breast Exam (CBE) once every 3 years. On the other hands, those in their 40s should have a CBE every year.

If you find abnormalities around your breast, additional screening is recommended. Your doctor can perform ultrasound, MRI or biopsy (i.e. take a sample of the affected tissue). The result of any of those tests will show if a cancer does occur. Other easy ways of how to detect breast cancer is by paying attention to the early symptoms. Tell-tale signs involve visible changes to the breast, such as redness, nipple retraction, nipple discharge (that may be bloody or not), peu d'orange (orange peel-like skin texture), puckering or dimpling, and onwards. If you experience any of those symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately.

Women need to follow the guidelines of how to detect breast cancer. Those guidelines will help them fighting the cancer and saving many lives.

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Early Symptoms of Breast Cancer and How to Detect Them

Breast cancer is the second most common and also the second most lethal cancer in women in the United States. It occurs when cancerous cells develop in the breast tissue, most commonly in the milk ducts or glands. The cells grow uncontrollably and, in some cases, they can even spread to other parts of body which are not directly connected to the breast, such as the liver, bones, lungs, and brain. This kind of condition is also known as metastatic, advanced, or secondary breast cancer.

Generally breast cancer shows several symptoms, including:

1. A lump in the breast which can be the size of a pea which persists even after one menstrual cycle. An unusual mass found in the underarm can also be a sign of the disease. Lumps are one of the first and very general symptoms of breast cancer. They generally are painless, but in some cases, sufferers can also feel a prickling sensation. They can be detected by mammography even before they can be felt or seen.

2. Changes in the breast size, temperature, contour, and texture. The affected breast can either swell up or shrink depending on the type of the cancer. It can also show other signs such as orange peel-like skin surface (also known as peu d'orange), flattening or indentation, a marble-like area under the skin, and higher temperature at the affected breast.

3. Pain and the feeling of tenderness of the breast.

4. The swelling of the lymph nodes in the underarm.

5. Changes that can be seen or felt in the affected nipple, such as nipple retraction, burning sensation, itchiness, ulceration, or the scaling of the nipple (which is also a common symptom of Paget's disease). Sometimes the nipple also produces bloody or clear discharge.

All the symptoms and signs can be seen with naked eyes and felt with manual examination. Nevertheless, breast self-exams are not recommended by some medication centers. Consult your doctor about the limitations and benefits of the self-examination before doing it. There are other, more accurate ways to examine the early symptoms of breast cancer, including clinical examination, mammogram, ultrasound scanning, and needle test (FNAC). All of these tests can be performed only by healthcare professionals. You are advised to have the examination(s) regularly, at least once in a year. The best time to get your breast examined is shortly after the end of your menstrual cycle since your breast will be in the most normal condition (not swollen or tender), making any abnormal changes easier to detect.

The detection of early symptoms of breast cancer is necessary for immediate follow-ups. Visit our site to get more info about how to detect the early signs and symptoms of the cancer.

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