Women Unsure of the Signs of Breast Cancer

SI_BreastCancerAwareness_425

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to save lives by promoting regular screening for breast cancer and raising money for critical breast cancer research. In 2017, it's estimated that there will be 252,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 40,610 breast cancer deaths in the United States (according to the American Cancer Society). The time to act is now.

To prevent breast cancer, women should, of course, get their breasts screened by a doctor every year; however, during the interim time, they must conduct self-checks. However, do most women know the signs of breast cancer? A recent survey says no.

According to a survey of 19,000 women conducted by Avon, 73% of respondents pay attention for changes in their breasts, but less than half (42%) are confident they could recognize the early signs of breast cancer—only 2% of women total could name the 10 main warning signs of the disease.

We are providing the signs of breast cancer below. Be familiar with them yourselves, but perhaps also print out this list and share it with your clients in October (and all year long).

10 Main Warning Signs of Breast Cancer*

1. Detection of a lump or hard knot in the breast or underarm area.

2. Thickening inside the breast or underarm area.

3. Darkening of the breast skin.

4. Swelling, warmth or redness of the breast area.

5. Change in size and shape of the breast.

6. Dimpling or puckering of the breast skin.

7. Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple.

8. Nipple discharge that starts suddenly.

9. Pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast.

10. New pain one spot that doesn't go away.

*As provided by the Susan G. Komen Foundation

More in Home