Signs of Breast Cancer In Young Women

Millions of women across the globe are affected by breast cancer. Initially it was believed that mostly women above forty years of age are prone to developing breast cancer. But this has proved to be wrong! Researchers have found that among women who are diagnosed with this health condition; 7% of them belong to the age group of 40 years and below.

We should be aware that even young women who are between the age group of 20-40 years are also likely to develop breast cancer. Hence it becomes essential for the young women too to be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Hereunder we discuss the signs of breast cancer in brief.

One of the first signs of breast cancer observed in young women is in their nipples. The nipples look retracted i.e. are sunken or get pushed inwards. Nipples lose their straight posture and start pointing downwards. This may also be accompanied with irritation and pain. These young women may also observe bloody or clear fluid i.e. an odd discharge from their nipples.

Another sign of breast cancer noticed by a young woman is changes in the size of their breasts. This change takes place gradually but it becomes noticeable with time. This change in the size of breasts is different for different women. Some may notice an increase where as some other may have decrease in their breast size. Also, changes may be noticed in the contour of the breast. In this case some dimpling referred to as puckering is found underneath the breast.

The sign most commonly linked to breast cancer is a lump. Though lump is the most common sign, young women often fail to notice it. It perhaps happens because of lack of training for self-checking. Generally no pain is caused due to this lump; young women may find the area above lump tender in touching. Another sign is indentation of the skin. Sometimes indentation occurs on the nipples but it can be seen on other parts of the breast too. The color and the texture of the breast may also change and become red or light pink. Skin begins to pit and start getting orange in color.

Breast cancer can be cured if it is detected in its early stage. Hence women are recommended to self-examine their breasts for the early signs of breast cancer.