Breast Cancer

Statistics show that 1 in 8 women (over 12.4 percent) in the U.S. develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetime. It’s expected that by the end of 2019, 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed.

Diagnosing breast cancer can be difficult because most women aren’t aware of the symptoms they should look out for. Often they chalk it up as hormonal issues. By keeping a close eye and observing the changes in your body, you can help get the necessary treatment needed in time.

Here are some of the symptoms of breast cancer to be aware of:

Unwarranted Swelling While this can also be related to common hormonal changes such as your monthly cycle or menopause, it’s good to take note of whether one breast is swollen or not. Even if no lump or distinction is present, keep a journal and make a note of how you feel. Also keep track of how many days the swelling persists. The swelling should not last for more than two or three days before you get it checked.

Skin Irritation If your skin is irritated, it could be a cause for concern or a skin-related problem. Many women ignore the problem thinking that it’s dryness, seasonal allergies, or even eczema. If it’s dimpling (skin looks similar to an orange peel) then make sure to seek professional help. Don't ignore the problem and remember that you know your body best.

Nipple Pain and Retraction Other symptoms to look out for include breast pain and nipple retraction. If your nipples are retracting (going inward) it can be a cause for concern. Also, if you feel a sharp pain in one side of your breast, make sure to get it checked out. Write down in your journal how bad the pain is. Use a scale of 1 to 5 to describe the pain. Another sign to look out for is nipple discharge (if you’re not breastfeeding).

Redness and Thickening of the Breast Area If the skin of your breast is becoming scaly, red, and thick, it’s time to go for a check-up. Also note that in some cases, breast cancer spreads to the lymph nodes even before the tumor becomes apparent. Make sure to go to a certified naturopathic physician for breast cancer screening, diagnosis, integrative treatment and prevention.

Dr. Sarah Shell is a Naturopathic Medical Doctor and an expert in women’s health. Offering pellet therapy, integrative cancer care, skin rejuvenation treatments, as well as treatment of hair restoration Chandler AZ, she has helped many of her patients get back on track and live a happy, healthy life. Learn more about treatment of skin rejuvenation Chandler.