Tuesday, October 6, 2009

6 warning signs of breast cancer

October is breast cancer awareness month. It's always good to know the 6 breast cancer warning signs.


Keep in mind, women AND men should look for any changes. I've interviewed men who have also had breast cancer. Some waited to be diagnosed because they didn't think it was anything worth worrying about.
More than 200,000 people will be diagnosed this year...
Early detection is the key to saving lives.

While personal and family medical history can influence your risk, so can lifestyle including what you eat and don't eat, environmental exposure to chemicals and even how you handle stress can all impact your breast cancer risk.
No one knows your body better than you.You KNOW when something is not right. I urge you to pay attention to any changes in your body. If you've 40, make sure you get your annual mammogram.

The National Cancer Institute suggests keeping an eye out for the following signs:


A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area


A change in the size or shape of the breast


Nipple discharge or tenderness


An inverted nipple


Ridges or pitting on the breast (resembling an orange peel)


A change in the look or feel of the breast, areola or nipple (such as temperature, swelling, redness or a scaly feel)

Please see your doctor right away if you notice any of these changes.