Breast cancer awareness month: Signs and symptoms to watch for

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October is breast cancer awareness month

Breast cancer is an important topic in Atlanta and Alpharetta, GA, and around the world. October is breast cancer awareness month, shining the spotlight on this important health issue. This October, in honor of breast cancer awareness month, be sure you have had a recent women’s wellness exam with your OBGYN and that you perform breast exams regularly. Learn more about symptoms to watch out for and the importance of mammograms in keeping you healthy.

Symptoms are often difficult to detect 

Breast cancer can sometimes be a tricky disease to detect. Unlike other diseases, many breast cancer patients don’t experience any pain prior to being diagnosed. That doesn’t mean, however, there are no symptoms to watch for. 

One of the most common signs of breast cancer is a lump in the breast. While it is common for some lumps to appear and disappear as women go through their cycle, a lump that develops and remains even after your menstrual cycle. If you notice a lump and are concerned, don’t hesitate to have it checked by your doctor, it is always better to err on the side of caution. 

But, that’s not the only symptom of breast cancer. Swollen lymph nodes in the armpits, skin discoloration, and breast tenderness can also indicate breast cancer. Some women may also notice changes in the nipple area such as nipple discharge and inverted nipples. 

Breast exams and mammograms are important ways to detect breast cancer

As with any disease, early detection of breast cancer is vital to its treatment. There are multiple things women, and men, can do to watch for signs of breast cancer throughout their life.

Your OBGYN will perform a breast exam at your annual wellness appointments. They do this to check for any lumps, but, it’s important you check yourself for this as well. Ask your doctor how to do a breast exam on yourself so you can check in between visits. 

Mammograms are another tool used to detect breast cancer. These are typical not performed regularly until women are older, however, if you have a family history of breast cancer, you may want to have regular mammograms before the suggested age of about 45. These imaging tests detect any lumps that form in the breast and help your doctor find signs of cancer quickly. 

Breast cancer signs and symptoms in Atlanta and Alpharetta, GA

Atlanta and Alpharetta, GA residents who have not had a breast exam or mammogram, and are the recommended age, should schedule an appointment to get checked. The staff at Georgia OBGYN can not only perform a breast exam and teach you how to check yourself as well, you can get your mammogram in the same building. Don’t let this breast cancer awareness month go by without making sure you’re taking care of your health. If you want to know more, contact Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology today.