Breast cancer … it’s a scary thought and all too many women assume that it won’t happen to them. Fact is though, every 19 seconds, somewhere around the world a case of breast cancer is diagnosed among women. So, this October, during breast cancer awareness month 2018, visit your doctor for a medical checkup. It might save your life.

Signs

Early signs of breast cancer can be a lump in a breast, a painful breast or armpit, or a discharge from the nipple. Even if none of these symptoms present themselves, a doctor should be visited to be sure. A doctor will most likely perform a manual exam and send you for a mammogram. A mammogram examination is painless and only takes about ten minutes.

If any of these symptoms do present themselves there’s no need to panic. Plenty of time, pain or a lump in a breast can be perfectly harmless. The pain can be a sign of a cyst or the lump can be benign. It’s always better to be sure though.

What next?

Ff the mammogram shows a lump, your doctor will order a biopsy. This test will show if the lump is benign (harmless) or malignant (cancerous). If the lump is cancerous there’s still no reason to panic. Early detection is a life saver. By way of a simple operation the lump is removed after which the doctor will discuss further options with you.

If you’ve never had a mammogram, make an appointment during breast cancer awareness month 2018. You can take a friend or family member with you and afterward you’ll have peace of mind.

Sources: www.awarenessdays.com, Komen for the Cure