Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women. So with October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re highlighting some ways you can detect breast cancer early on.<\/p>\n
Perform monthly self-exams<\/strong> Get regular doctor screenings
\nSelf-exams allow you to notice differences in your breast early on and should be performed once a month. The most common identifier of breast cancer is a lump or a mass in the breast. Other signs to look for<\/a>\u00a0include swelling of all or part of the breast, skin irritation or dimpling, breast or nipple pain, nipple retraction (or turning inward), redness, scaliness or thickening of the nipple, and nipple discharge (other than breast milk). If you notice any of these signs or anything unusual, be sure to contact your healthcare provider immediately.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>A clinical breast exam<\/a> is a screening performed by a licensed doctor or nurse who’s trained to\u00a0detect different types of abnormalities and warning signs. This in-clinic exam can easily be performed by a family physician or gynecologist at your annual exam and is extremely helpful in spotting red flags. He or she will check for any lumps or abnormalities in your entire breast, underarm, and collarbone area.<\/p>\n