While no one wants to think about the possibility of developing breast cancer, every woman needs to be aware of early warning signs - and act quickly by calling your physician should you detect any of the following:
. A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
. Discharge from the nipple
. A change in breast size or shape, or a change in the color or feel of the skin or nipple such as dimpling, puckering or scaliness
In addition to mammography, you should perform a breast self-exam monthly and have a doctor or a nurse examine you annually to detect an abnormality.
As a woman's age increases beyond 20, the greater the risk of becoming a one-in-eight cancer statistic. Other factors also contribute to an increased risk including a history of breast cancer in your family, having your first child after age 30, or being beyond age 30 and having no children.
