Breast cancer is a serious condition that can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain. While most breast cancers don't cause pain, some do, and it's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump or mass in the breast, which is usually hard and painless. However, some lumps can be painful, and if you have severe or persistent breast pain, you should see your healthcare team for an examination.
Breast cancer can also cause changes in skin cells that cause feelings of pain, tenderness, and discomfort in the breast. If breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, such as the adrenal glands or liver, you may experience additional symptoms such as dull back pain or jaundice. In addition to breast cancer, there are other conditions that can cause breast pain. Breast pain related to the menstrual cycle is common, and some non-cancerous conditions such as mastitis can also cause sudden pain.
It's important to tell your healthcare team about any changes in your breasts so they can examine you and determine the cause of the pain. Radial scars and multiple or complex fibroadenomas can increase the risk of breast cancer up to two times more. If you notice any changes in your breasts such as a rapid increase in size or thickening of the skin, it's important to get an exam right away. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer before, it's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a recurrence.
The symptoms are very similar to those of the first diagnosis and may include pain in the breasts. It's important to remember that while changes in breast size can be a symptom of any type of breast cancer, it's not always indicative of cancer. Bezzy Breast Cancer offers people access to an online breast cancer community where users can contact others for advice and support. Knowing what to look for is not a substitute for regular testing for breast cancer, so it's important to stay up-to-date on your screenings and exams.
