Signs of Progressing Breast Cancer

Breast cancer diagnosis in women is on the rise. However, due to early detection, survival rates are increasing. Doctors are able to detect progressing breast cancer sooner. Many times doctors will take a baseline mammogram for a woman who has never had a mammogram. Then in six months they take another and again six months later to determine if there is any change in the breast tissue. From there, a yearly mammogram is given to those who are at high risk of getting breast cancer.

In addition to early detection, surgical procedures such as lumpectomy and mastectomy along with radiation treatment are major reasons for the increased survival rate of many women who have progressing breast cancer. Women are encouraged to get a yearly mammogram to increase their chances of survival.

Besides the yearly mammogram, women should know their own breasts. Monthly self examination is encouraged. When a women is familiar with the texture of her own breast, she will be able to notice a difference if a lump appears. Doctors encourage women to examine both breasts as well as the arm pits.

Other signs of progressing breast cancer that women should be aware of are: • Lumps in the arm pit • Wwelling in the arm pit • Pea size lumps in the breast • Lack of appetite • Shortness of breath • Bone pain • Headaches • Any redness around the nipple • Leakage from the nipple (clear or bloody)

Avoiding breast cancer, of course, is ideal. Although there are certain things women cannot control such as age and genetic predisposition, there are some things that they can manage. Maintaining a healthy weight is very important. Add 30 minutes of regular exercise daily. Even walking is considered an exercise that will help. Stay away from alcohol or at least limit the amount. Eat a low fat diet and include plenty of fruits and vegetables. There is some concern over the relationship between hormone therapy and breast cancer. There is also a slightly increased risk of breast cancer for those who use the pill for long periods of time before their first pregnancy. Also, the role of pesticides and antibiotics in breast cancer is being researched. This information can be more thoroughly researched at the Mayo Clinic website.