October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of this disease. While several women may be aware of breast cancer, very few take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages, while encouraging other women to take the same steps. Detecting breast cancer early is vital for women’s health because breast cancer is one of the most common type of cancers in women. In fact, about one in eight women born in the U.S. will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. Those statistics are scary, however, there are steps that you can take to become aware of the symptoms that come along with this terrible disease. Here is a list of the signs and symptoms that all of us should be aware of:
- Change in the way breast or nipple feels
- Nipple tenderness, lump or thickening in or near your breast or underarm area
- Change in the texture of your skin or enlargement of the pores of your breasts
- A lump in your breast (even if it’s small be sure to seek professional help for a screening)
- Change in Breast or Nipple Appearance
- Any unexplained change in size or shape of your breast
- Dimpling anywhere on your breast
- Unexplained swelling of your breast
- Unexplained shrinkage of your breast
- Unexplained asymmetry of your breast
- Your nipple is slightly inward or inverted
- Skin of your breast, areola, or nipple that becomes red, scaly or swollen or resemble the skin of an orange
- Any nipple discharge
- Particularly if you have clear discharge or bloody discharge
If you would like more information on detecting breast cancer, contact Dr. Gordon C. Gunn MD at 714-912-2211 or visit www.gordongunnmd.com to schedule an appointment today.
Dr. Gordon Gunn proudly serves Fullerton and all surrounding areas.