Recognizing the Early Signs of Breast Cancer: What Everyone Needs to Know

Recognizing the Early Signs of Breast Cancer: What Everyone Needs to Know

An Awareness Guide from Beat Cancer Foundation

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, affecting both women and men. While early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates, too many people miss the early signs of breast cancer simply because they don't know what to look for. At Beat Cancer Foundation, we believe that awareness is power—and early detection saves lives.

Understanding the Early Signs of Breast Cancer

The early signs of breast cancercan be subtle and easily overlooked, especially in the early stages when the disease is most treatable. These signs may include:

• A new lump or mass in the breast or underarm
• Swelling of all or part of a breast, even if no distinct lump is felt
• Skin irritation or dimpling
• Breast or nipple pain
• Nipple retraction (turning inward)
• Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
• Nipple discharge (other than breast milk), possibly containing blood

These breast cancer symptomscan vary from person to person, which is why regular self-exams and screenings are so important.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Women

Women are often more attuned to breast health, but many still don't recognize the symptoms of breast cancer in women until the disease has progressed. These symptoms may include persistent breast changes, such as:

• Changes in size or shape of the breast
• A lump that feels different from the rest of the breast tissue
• Constant pain in one area that doesn't go away with time

It’s crucial to note that not all breast cancers cause noticeable symptoms. Some are found through routine screening tests like mammograms, which is why regular checkups are critical.

Signs of Breast Cancer in Men

Though rare, breast cancer does affect men, and the signs of breast cancer in men can often go unnoticed or be dismissed as non-serious. Common symptoms include:

• A painless lump or thickening in breast tissue
• Changes to the skin covering the breast (such as dimpling, puckering, redness, or scaling)
• Nipple changes, including redness or discharge
• Swelling in the chest area

Because many men are unaware that they can develop breast cancer, they may delay seeking medical attention, leading to later-stage diagnoses and more limited treatment options.

Why Early Detection Matters

Whether you're a man or a woman, recognizing the signs of breast cancer early and acting quickly is key to survival. Cancer caught in its earliest stages is far more treatable than cancer found later. That's why awareness campaigns and early detection tools are so critical in the fight against cancer.

Take Action Now

At Beat Cancer Foundation, we’re committed to empowering people with life-saving information and access to early detection tools, because early detection of cancer saves lives.

We’ve partnered with OncoSure Testing to launch OncoSure™, a revolutionary cancer screening test that detects all human cancers—even in their earliest, pre-symptomatic stages—with just a simple blood draw. Results are delivered within 24 hours after the lab receives the specimen, making this the most advanced, non-invasive cancer screening available today.

“Prevention and early detection are our best weapons against cancer,” says David A. Caravantes, Executive Director. “With OncoSure™, we're giving people the power to act before it's too late.”

Learn more, get screened, and help us beat cancer at www.beatcancerfoundation.org/oncosure

Stay informed. Get screened. Beat cancer.