2023 Author: Gabrielle Mercer | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 12:25
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. We explain to you which signs you should look out for in advance and why it is important to lend a hand regularly.
In Austria, almost every 8th woman develops breast cancer. There are almost 5,000 new cases every year. This disease (and other cancers as well) sneaks up on you before you have any idea what's going on in your body. This is because women are more likely to look for lumps in their breasts and ignore other signs in the process.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but cancer often announces itself with other symptoms. Many other cancers also have no lumps to look for. It is therefore important to be aware of the other symptoms that can occur in breast cancer.
1
Sensitive nipples and nipple discharge
Are the nipples sore or painful when touched and / or is fluid leaking from the nipples other than breast milk? However, it can also be a normal nipple inflammation or hormonal changes. You can find out more about this here.
2
Changed skin structure and color
In many cases, the color around the chest changes. Sometimes there is also a kind of orange peel with widened pores.
3
Changing breast shape and size
One breast is significantly larger than the other, and when the arms are raised, the breasts move differently.
4
Lump in the armpit
Breast tissue extends to the armpits, cancerous tumors are not limited to the breast.
5
Pulling and tensioning in the chest area (one-sided)
If the breasts are sore and sore for no apparent (hormonal) reason, it could be a sign of breast cancer. In many cases the pain is one-sided.
6
A sore or bruise will not heal
Wounds or bruises do not heal despite antibiotic treatment and ointments.
7
Dry cough, although not a cold
The cough came out of nowhere and doesn't come from a cold or flu.
8
Gastrointestinal and bladder problems
The bowel movements are irregular, or diarrhea or constipation are common.
9
Severe loss of energy
Chronic fatigue and loss of energy despite a lot of sleep.
10
Significant weight changes
Rapid weight loss or excessive weight gain for no apparent reason can also indicate a change in the cells.
11
Itching, reddening of the skin and flaking
Itching and reddening of the skin that do not go away indicate fluid build-up, poor lymph function, or the body is trying to create new blood vessels for breast tumors.
12
Upper back pain
Upper back pain that does not go away with exercise, physical therapy, or relaxation can indicate breast cancer. As tumors grow, they put pressure on nerves and tendons, causing back pain. If the cancer metastasizes (e.g. to the bones) it could cause back pain as well.
Breast cancer screening: Regular breast scanning is essential
Anyone who regularly feels their breasts knows how they normally feel and recognizes changes immediately. Anyone who has a period should always palpate their chest a few days after the bleeding. But if you use hormonal contraception and for this reason do not get a period or only withdrawal bleeding, you should palpate the breast once a month at the same time. During the self-examination it is important not only to palpate, but also to examine the nipples and the skin around them as well as the armpits. About 20 percent of cases will diagnose breast cancer through a physical exam rather than a mammogram.