According to Johns Hopkins Medical center,
“Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important.
For Breast Cancer Awareness month we would like to remind women of the importance of frequent at home breast exams. Not only do at home exams help with early detection, they help women set a baseline for what is normal and call attention to any changes they experience. Be sure to talk to your healthcare professional if you notice anything unusual.
When to contact your doctor:
Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice:
- A hard lump or knot near your underarm.
- Changes in the way your breasts look or feel, including thickening or prominent fullness that is different from the surrounding tissue.
- Dimples, puckers, bulges or ridges on the skin of your breast.
- A recent change in your nipple such as it becoming pushed in (inverted) instead of sticking out.
- Redness, warmth, swelling or pain.
- Itching, scales, sores or rashes.
- Bloody nipple discharge.
Your doctor may recommend additional tests and procedures to investigate breast changes, including a clinical breast exam, mammograms or an ultrasound.
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