What is breast
cancer?
Breast cancer is a type
of cancer where cells in
the breast tissue divide
and grow without the
usual controls on cell
death and cell division.
What are the signs of breast cancer?
The signs of breast
cancer are not the same
for all women. In fact,
some women have no signs
that they can see. If
you experience any of
these symptoms, you
should see a doctor
right away:
-
A lump, hard knot or
thickening
-
Swelling, warmth,
redness or darkening
-
Change in breast
size or shape
-
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
What causes breast
cancer?
It's a question women
want a straight answer
to. At the present time,
scientists believe that
breast cancer is caused
by a combination of both
known and unknown
factors including
genetics (such as family
history of breast
cancer), lifestyle
choices (such as diet
and alcohol use) and
reproductive factors
(such as age of menarche
and menopause). For more
information regarding
risk factors, please
click here.
What are fibrocystic
changes?
Lumpiness plus
tenderness or pain at
certain times of the
month is called
fibrocystic breast
changes. These changes
are a normal part of the
menstrual cycle. Women
are most likely to
notice them in the
premenstrual phase of
the cycle, or if women
are past menopause, when
taking hormones.
Fibrocystic changes do
not increase your chance
of getting breast
cancer. In contrast, a
breast lump that should
be checked is one that
does not change with
your cycle. Any
persistent lump or
thickening should be
checked by your health
care provider.
