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5 Signs That Indicate An Abnormal Breast Lump

Every breast is unique. They come in different shapes, sizes, and skin textures. Sometimes, these appearances can change due to factors such as menstruation, hormonal imbalances, and benign breast conditions like breast cysts and atypical hyperplasia.

Breast lumps are one of the most concerning symptoms that can cause a lot of alarm in people. This is because it is a characteristic sign of breast cancer, which is the most common cancer among women around the world. But the good news is that most breast lumps—about 80% of those biopsied—are benign or non-cancerous. But still, it is crucial to know what an abnormal breast lump actually means. Listed below are some classic signs:

Also Read: Breast Cancer Lumps May Feel Firm And Round: How Is It Different From Benign Breast Lumps

Irregular Breast Shape

About one in four women has breast asymmetry, also known as uneven breasts. It is when one breast is different in size or shape from the other. But when this irregularity or unevenness occurs due to a lump that has an uneven or irregular shape rather than being round or oval, it could be a sign of an underlying problem. In fact, a breast lump that has irregular edges and is different from the breast tissue around it might be breast cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Harm And Firm Lump

Breast lumps are a common occurrence, especially if you're dealing with hormonal fluctuations or about to have your period. It is common to have breast lumps that are bumpy, smooth, spongey, soft or squishy, moveable, and round, according to the Cleveland Clinic. However, an abnormal or concerning breast lump feels hard or firm to the touch, rather than soft and movable. This is when you must consult a doctor and undergo tests and screenings to rule out breast cancer.

Breast Pain Or Tenderness

Most breast cancers do not cause any pain, which is why they can often go unnoticed during the early stages. However, it does not mean you ignore painful and tender lumps that arise in the breast, especially if they persist over time.

In most cases, painful breast lumps could be a sign of fibroadenomas or cysts, or just normal variations in breast tissue known as fibrocystic changes.

Changes In Skin Texture Around The Breast

A breast lump accompanied by changes in skin texture, for instance, dimpled, puckered, or skin that has an orange-peel texture, should not be overlooked. All of these are classic signs of breast cancer. Also, address changes such as "scaly skin around the nipple and areola, as though the skin is sunburned or extremely dry, and skin thickening in any part of the breast," according to Medical News Today.

Also Read: Rare, But Men Can Also Develop Breast Cancer: Expert Shares Who Is At Risk And Warning Signs

Nipple Changes

If you have a breast lump, it is helpful to watch out for any changes in the nipples. If they appear inverted, develop a rash, or discharge fluid other than breast milk, it could all mean breast cancer.

Conclusion

Breast lumps are extremely common, and most cases are benign. Several factors can lead to them, but if you have a breast lump that's painless, hard, and has irregular edges, it could be breast cancer. But while self-examination is a great way to detect abnormalities early, consulting a doctor and undergoing screenings can help confirm your diagnosis. It is vital that you observe your breasts regularly and address any changes to avoid delayed detection.

Disclaimer

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I Love The Simplicity Of These Powerful Breast Cancer Awareness Ads

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Credit: Ogilvy Bolivia

Breast cancer is an uncomfortable topic that many of us would like to avoid, but the reality is that raising awareness is crucial to saving lives. Bolivian supermarket Ketal is flipping the script on clinical awareness ads by adding a fruity twist, inviting customers to get as familiar with their skin as they do with everyday produce.

The #TouchYourBreasts campaign is an intimate balance of clever design and informative messaging, empowering shoppers to spot the signs of breast cancer on time. Unlike grand-scale OOH campaigns, print ads have the unique ability to speak to audiences on a more personal level, and Ketal's ads are a shining example of how simple graphics and candid copy can be a powerful marketing tool.

Breast cancer awareness ads created by Ogilvy Bolivia

Created by Ogilvy Bolivia, the clever minimalist ads highlight the early warning signs of breast cancer through the texture of various fruits. Featuring bold macro shots, the campaign's textural quality gives it an intimate feel that expertly conveys the awareness ad's important message. From the texture of orange peel to the spots on papaya, the campaign showcases that these natural blemishes are fine on produce but "Not on your breasts".

Breast cancer awareness ads created by Ogilvy Bolivia

"#TouchYourBreasts as much as fruits" is a masterful campaign that transforms the mundanity of supermarket shopping into an ingenious awareness tool that's factual, unfussy and powerfully minimalist. We've seen similarly evocative awareness campaigns in recent months like Prost8's cheeky optical illusion billboard and GirlvsCancer's provocative billboard ad that was banned by the ASA, proving that poignant awareness ads are increasingly smashing the stigma around cancer.

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'I'm A Doctor And These Are Breast Cancer Red Flags You Shouldn't Ignore'

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women across the UK.

So, it makes sense that pain in your chest area can seem quite alarming, as many people fear they've developed the cell-mutating disease. However, one doctor claims this often isn't the case, with breast pain and cancer symptoms sometimes quite different.

Dr Sooj - an NHS GP and A&E doctor - took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the @doctorsooj account. "Lots of women have breast pain but, is it really a sign of cancer?" he asked.

"Breast pain is very common and breast cancer is also very common so, many women can experience the two things together even though they're not directly linked. There have also been studies which show that breast pain alone does not increase your risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer."

While breast cancer is sadly quite common among women, anyone can develop the condition. Its seriousness largely depends on how big it is and if it's spread, as well as its symptoms.

Usually, women with breast cancer notice a lump or swelling in the breast, chest or armpit, and perhaps even a change of skin texture surrounding the breast.

Pain experienced in the breast or armpit which doesn't go away can be a symptom, too. However, if it comes and goes this normally isn't associated with the disease.

For instance, sometimes pain in the armpit may be down to a swollen gland, which often accompanies a high temperature, cough and sore throat. So, it's worth paying attention to any other unusual symptoms in your body.

Dr Sooj continued: "Also, because we have an effective screening program for breast cancer, we are picking up more and more breast cancers and we're getting to them earlier which helps to improve outcomes.

"So, in summary, breast pain alone is usually not a symptom of breast cancer and it isn't usually a worrying symptom at all. But please make sure you participate in breast cancer screening when you're invited and, if you're worried about your pain or if it's been there for longer than six weeks, then please do go to and speak with your GP."

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