Breast cancer has been on the rise for several decades now, so it is vital for women to be educated about the signs of breast cancer. In the 1960s, one in every twenty women experienced this form of cancer; at the present time, one out of every eight women will develop it. This increase in incidence is not yet fully understood. Today, women need the most current information on the signs of breast cancer because knowledge can be a tool for protection.

What women really need to know is this: there are more signs of breast cancer than a lump in the breast. It seems this searching for a lump during breast self-examinations has been the main focus for women … but there are more symptoms of which to be aware.

There may be a swelling or lump in an armpit or a change in the nipple, either in appearance or in feeling. The nipple may be changed, either enlarged, inverted, itchy or tender. There may be some bloody or yellowish discharge from the nipple, similar to pus in appearance (may even be greenish in color).

A change in the shape or the size of the breast is another possible sign of breast cancer. One breast may look lower or be larger than the other. There may be discomfort in one breast and not the other.

The skin of the breast, areola or nipple may experience a change in color, texture or feel. This includes redness; puckered, peeling or dimpled areas; prominent veins on the surface of the breast; or an “orange peel” texture of the skin.

If there is an actual lump or mass in the breast tissue, it is usually firm with irregular borders and may be painless. But any type of lump should be noted and checked. In the advanced stages, symptoms of breast cancer include unexplained weight loss, ulcerations of the skin of the breast, bone pain or swelling in only one arm.

Once a woman notices a sign of breast cancer, her immediate response should be an appointment with a physician for a professional examination of the breast. It is true that more women are developing this disease; but the mortality rates are falling, due mostly to early detection and the advancement of treatments.