The most common sign of breast cancer is a new fixed or mass. A lump that is painless, hard and has irregular edges is more chance of cancer. Some cancers can be tender, soft and rounded, so it is important to any new lumps checked by your doctor.
Other symptoms include persistent breast changes, such as:
These are usually caused by favorable conditions, but is sometimes a warning sign of breast cancer.
How is breast cancer found?
A better chance for successful treatment of breast cancer is detected earlier. Early breast cancer does not usually produce symptoms, so it is important for women to achieve the standards described in the next section to follow.
Methods for early detection:
There are several ways to help a woman find breast cancer early in the disease. These include:
Breast self-examination – is an exam where you feel for any changes in the breast. While breast self-examination (BSE) helps you learn what is normal for your breasts so you can change, mammography and clinical breast examination will find the most reliable methods of finding breast cancer, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. Women who do not need this study BSE monthly.
Clinical breast exam – This is a test performed by a health care professional to feel for any changes in the breast. Women have a clinical breast exam at least every two years as the age of 40.
Mammography – A mammogram is a low dose x-ray of the breast that can find small breast lumps or precancerous changes in the breast. These lumps may be so small a woman cannot feel them with her fingers.
A screening mammogram is used to find breast cancer in women who are not breast concerns. A diagnostic mammogram is used when a woman has symptoms or if other barriers to accurate tests such as breast implants.
The Canadian Cancer Society recommends the following guidelines:
Have a mammogram every two years if you are between the ages of 50 and 69. If you are between the ages of 40 and 49, discuss your risk of breast cancer and the benefits and risks of mammography with your doctor. If you are over 70, talk to your doctor about a screening program for you.
In certain circumstances (e.g. if a woman has breast implants) a diagnostic mammography may also be used instead of a screening mammogram. For most women, the x-rays will show no signs of a problem.
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