While feeling a lump or mass on the breast is a sure sign you should go see a doctor, it is not the only way breast cancer can present itself.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer. Unsurprisingly, breast cancer is predicted to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the coming year, with 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women within the U.S., along with 62,930 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer. There are 2,670 men expected to receive a new diagnosis of breast cancer as well. Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among women, and the number has continued to grow over the year.
Experts say that while a lump is the classic warning sign, women should be aware of other, lesser-known symptoms of breast cancer, including swelling of all or part of a breast, skin irritation or dimpling, nipple inversion, nipple discharge other than breast milk, and a redness, scaling, or thickening of the nipple or surrounding skin.
In the mirror:
- Stand undressed from the waist up in front of a large mirror in a well-lit room. Look at your breasts. Don't be alarmed if they do not look equal in size or shape. Most women's breasts aren't. With your arms relaxed by your sides, look for any changes in size, shape, or position, or any changes to the skin of the breasts. Look for any skin puckering, dimpling, sores, or discoloration. Inspect your nipples and look for any sores, peeling, or change in the direction of the nipples.
- Next, place your hands on your hips and press down firmly to tighten the chest muscles beneath your breasts. Turn from side to side so you can inspect the outer part of your breasts.
- Then bend forward toward the mirror. Roll your shoulders and elbows forward to tighten your chest muscles. Your breasts will fall forward. Look for any changes in the shape or contour of your breasts.
- Now, clasp your hands behind your head and press your hands forward. Again, turn from side to side to inspect your breasts' outer portions. Remember to inspect the border underneath your breasts. You may need to lift your breasts with your hand to see this area.
- Check your nipples for discharge (fluid). Place your thumb and forefinger on the tissue surrounding the nipple and pull outward toward the end of the nipple. Look for any discharge. Repeat on your other breast.
41% upper, outer quadrant
14% upper, inner quadrant
5% lower, inner quadrant
6% lower, outer quadrant
34% in the area behind the nipple
In the shower:
- Now, it's time to feel for changes in the breast. It is helpful to have your hands slippery with soap and water. Check for any lumps or thickening in your underarm area. Place your left hand on your hip and reach with your right hand to feel in the left armpit. Repeat on the other side.
- Check both sides for lumps or thickenings above and below your collarbone.
- With hands soapy, raise one arm behind your head to spread out the breast tissue. Use the flat part of your fingers from the other hand to press gently into the breast. Follow an up-and-down pattern along the breast, moving from bra line to collarbone. Continue the pattern until you have covered the entire breast. Repeat on the other side.
Lying down:
- Next, lie down and place a small pillow or folded towel under your right shoulder. Put your right hand behind your head. Place your left hand on the upper portion of your right breast with fingers together and flat. Body lotion may help to make this part of the exam easier.
- Think of your breast as a face on a clock. Start at 12 o'clock and move toward 1 o'clock in small circular motions. Continue around the entire circle until you reach 12 o'clock again. Keep your fingers flat and in constant contact with your breast. When the circle is complete, move in one inch toward the nipple and complete another circle around the clock. Continue in this pattern until you've felt the entire breast. Make sure to feel the upper outer areas that extend into your armpit.
- Place your fingers flat and directly on top of your nipple. Feel beneath the nipple for any changes. Gently press your nipple inward. It should move easily.
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