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Thousands of women are diagnosed with chest cancer
each year. For women, only lung cancer has a higher
death rate than chest cancer. While this type of cancer
can be deadly, there are warning signs that can help
you catch it early.
It isn’t exactly known why chest cancer develops, but
there are somefactors that seem to increase your
chances of developing chest cancer. Your age (and
gender) increase your risk; While men can be
diagnosed with chest cancer, it is one hundred times
mores common in women. The highest rate of invasive
chest cancer are found in women 55 and older.
There also seems to be a higher risk if your close blood
relatives had or have chest cancer. Also, the risk of
chest cancer increases with higher amounts of alcohol
use and obesity after menopause.
Knowing the risks and the symptoms of chest cancer
can significantly increase your chances of catching the
illness early. Luckily, there are some things you can
look for. While finding a lump in your chest is a
common symptom, there are others signs to look for.
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your
doctor immediately:
1. chest sizes
If the size of one chest enlarges significantly in a short
amount of time, this could be a warning sign of chest
cancer. Breasts are normally different sizes, but
noticing a drastic increase in size or an abnormal
change in shape could be something to be concerned
about.
2. Swelling
Even if there is no lump present, swelling on your
chest (even in a small area) is not a good sign.
Swelling can also accompany fever-like symptoms; if
this is the case, your breasts will feel warm, may
become inflamed, become red or purple and will swell.
Immediately inform your doctor if you experience
these symptoms.
3. Abnormal nipples
Other than chest milk, any other discharge is not
normal. Decreased nipple sensitivity is also something
to be aware of. Additionally, if your nipple retracts
(pulls inward,) or is discolored, be sure to call your
doctor.
4. Redness or itchiness
Having a bumpy “orange peel” texture on your chest or
nipple area could very well be a symptom of chest
cancer. If you experience severe itching on your chest
and dermatologist visits (and creams) don’t soothe your
symptoms, call your doctor.
5. Noticing a lump
There are benign lumps that form in the chest that may
not be cancerous. However, if you notice a mass (that
you haven’t noticed before, or that feels harder than the
surrounding lumps) schedule a chest examination. Be
sure to notice any sort of abnormal mass near your
armpit; though it is not in your chest, it could still be
chest cancer.
6. chest Pain
This can be caused by a variety of other things that
aren’t cancer. Fluctuating hormones, some fertility
treatments, stress and wearing a bra that doesn’t fit
right can all cause chest pain. If your pain isn’t caused
by this list or accompanies other symptoms, contact
your doctor.
Some women feel pain in their back or chest instead of
their chest. If this pain does not go away with physical
therapy or stretching, inform your doctor.
Not all of these symptoms are symptoms of chest
cancer. If you get other treatments (like a cream or
antibiotic) for these symptoms, but you do not notice a
difference within a few days, be sure to call your
doctor and be assertive about tests for chest cancer.
Mammograms have significantly increased the detection
rate for chest cancer. Regularly schedule these
appointments if you are above the age of 40, or if you
have a family history of chest cancer. However, there
are things a mammogram cannot detect. Having dense
breasts make cancer harder to detect even with a
mammogram and helps the cancer cells spread more
rapidly. Talk to your doctor for additional tests if you
fit this description.
Be diligent with your own chest examinations and be
aware of what chest cancer symptoms look and feel
like. If you are at all concerned, make an appointment
with your doctor.
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