How to detect early warning signs of breast cancer?

Breast cancer can cause several changes to the skin on and around the breast. However, in some cases, breast cancer may not cause any symptoms, but it can be detected on a mammogram.

Some common, warning signs of breast cancer include:

1. Changes to the skin’s texture: thickening, scaly skin around the nipple…
2. Nipple discharge: other than breast milk
3. Increase in size or change in shape
4. Breast or nipple pain
5. Nipple retraction or inversion
6. Redness: the skin may be red or purple or have a bluish tint
7. Swelling

If you notice any of these changes, please consult your doctor to help you determine if these breast changes are cause for concern or not.

However, making changes in your daily life may help reduce your risk of breast cancer:

1. Discuss with your healthcare provider when to begin breast cancer screening exams and tests
2. Learn how to perform a breast self-exam
3. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week
4. Maintain a healthy weight
5. Choose a healthy diet. Studies have showed that women who eat a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil may have a reduced risk of breast cancer