Breast Cancer Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Alliance Insurance wants all women to be aware of the signs of breast cancer. See your doctor and with him or her, decide if you are a candidate for a screening mammogram.

The warning signs of breast cancer are not the same for all women. The most common signs are:

• A change in the look or feel of the breast
• A change in the look of the nipple and nipple discharge

Here are some warning signs. If you have any of these signs, check with your doctor:

• A lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
• Change in the size or shape of the breast
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
• Pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast
• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
• New pain in one spot that does not go away

Most times, these changes are not cancer. Breast pain is more common with benign breast conditions than with breast cancer.

Many women say their breasts feel lumpy. Breast tissue naturally has a bumpy texture and some women’s breasts are lumpier than others. If the lumpiness can be felt throughout the breast and both breasts feel about the same, then its probably normal for you. If there is a new lump or any change, see your doctor.

Nipple discharge can be your body’s natural reaction when the nipple is squeezed. Signs to be concerned about are:

• The discharge occurs without squeezing the nipple
• When the discharge occurs only in one breast or clear (not milky)

If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor!