The first sign of breast cancer is usually a lump or a spot seen on a mammogram. Remember, though, while these things can often be a sign of breast cancer it is important to remember that it does not necessarily mean that you have breast cancer. However it is always important to look for the earliest signs.
One of the most important steps in finding the first sign of breast cancer is through breast self-examination. 75% of breast cancer signs are first found by the woman her self. 9 out of 10 times the first sign of breast cancer found by a woman is during a breast self-examination. Most breast cancer organizations recommend that you perform a breast self-examination monthly, especially after you turn the age of 40.
Lumps are not the only sign of breast cancer. You might also find a thickening area on the breast; this can be a sign of breast cancer. A dimple on your breast can also be a sign of breast cancer. It is important to remember that if you do find any of these signs; it does not necessarily mean that you have breast cancer as there are many different possibilities as to what the causes might be. It is important that you do contact a doctor and go in for a more thorough examination.
Once you have spotted what could possibly be an early sign of breast cancer, it is extremely important that you see your doctor right away. You are not a medical practitioner, you cannot be sure what this change in your breast or breasts might be. It might not even be anything ultimately to worry about, but you never know. If it is a sign of breast cancer, the earlier you go to your doctor and get a more thorough examination the earlier you can get a full diagnosis on whether or not it is breast cancer.
Early detection is very important in the cause of breast cancer. Fighting to get women to perform breast self examinations is one of the most important pursuits in the cause of breast cancer awareness, although it is certainly not the only pursuit. If you are interested in helping the cause of breast cancer awareness and breast cancer advocacy, you might want to think about purchasing breast cancer stickers. Breast cancer stickers can be put anywhere, on books, on your car, on signs, wherever you think to put them to help get out the message of the important of breast cancer awareness.
Breast cancer is a very serious issue facing women today. The sad truth is that while breast cancer awareness and breast cancer advocacy have increased in recent years, so have the numbers of women getting breast cancer. The likelihood of a woman getting breast cancer in the United States was only 1 in 20 in 1960. That has now increased to 1 in 8, more than doubling in a period of less than 50 years. It is the second most lethal cancer killer in women (lung cancer is #1) and it is a danger that effects far too many women in the United States of America.