5 Warning Signs Of Breast Cancer That Many Women Ignore

According to the American Cancer Society by the end of 2016 it is estimated about 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in American women. About 40,450 women will die from breast cancer. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancer types among women.

Breast cancer awareness goes far beyond knowing the statistics. It’s about active prevention, and being able to recognize signs and symptoms of breast cancer, hopefully catching it early on if it develops.

The following five warning signs of breast cancer are ones that many women tend to shrug off, but recognizing them may be vital to save life.

1. A NEW MOLE / CHANGE IN AN EXISTING MOLE

Moles are more commonly associated with a higher risk of skin cancer. Also they may be linked to breast cancer. Researchers followed 89,902 women ages 40-65 years old; noted their medical records over a period of 18 years. The number of moles each woman had was documented at the start of study. During the study, 5,956 of the women were diagnosed with breast cancer. Researchers found out that women who had the most moles out of the group had a 13% higher risk of breast cancer than women without moles. So if you notice a new mole visit a health care professional.

2. A COUGH OR HOARSE THROAT THAT WON’T SUBSIDE

A cancer begins in one area and is known as primary cancer. Later if some cancer cells break away from the primary cancer and move to another part of the body, they can form another tumor, called secondary cancer. Breast cancer can spread to the lungs which can be detected by a prolonged cough or hoarseness. 60-70% of women who become terminally ill from breast cancer have spreads to the lungs. The most common signs are shortness of breath and dry cough.

3. CHANGES IN THE BLADDER OR BOWELS

Breast cancer can cause hormonal changes which dry out the urethra, and make difficult to control the bladder. This is known as incontinence, and common signs include leaking urine during activities such as coughing, laughing, sneezing or exercising, experiencing sudden and urgent needs to urinate, and urination that takes longer than usual. At this point you need to visit doctor.

4. FATIGUE

Fatigue is a common symptom in breast cancer patients, but, it is also often present before diagnosis. Fatigue from cancer is not alleviated by sleep or rest, but typically very severe; often associated with high levels of distress, unrelated to amount of exertion. It is often accompanied by other symptoms: such as pain, sleep disturbance and depression. Researchers believe fatigue is caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the body which the cancer creates.

5. UNEXPLAINED BACK PAIN

Back pain is a common medical problem.  8 out of 10 people will experience it at some point in lives.  Back pain also may be a sign that breast cancer tumors are forming. Back pain associated with breast cancer may feel like pressure on the ribs or spine, or pain in upper back which feels like coming from the bones. It could also be a sign that breast cancer has spread to the spine.

Source: loveinspireamaze