Many breast cancer symptoms mirror less serious conditions. For example, one of the most common breast cancer symptoms is a lump in the breast. Most lumps, however, are benign and do not indicate breast cancer. However, most women who have breast cancer symptoms will get very upset and worried about the idea of having this disease. Breast cancer is no longer a killer disease.

The cure rate for those who catch the disease early is nearly 90 percent. The key to beating this disease is early detection and being aware of what types of breast cancer symptoms to look for. Each woman should examine her breasts each month for lumps and other changes. In addition to breast lumps, other breast cancer symptoms include a discharge from the nipples, a puckering in the breast, a red mark on the breast that gets crusty or inverted nipples.

Although these are some of the most common breast cancer symptoms, they are also symptoms of other, less serious conditions. Only a doctor can determine which breast cancer symptoms warrant further examination. Women should look in the mirror and notice any changes in their breasts. If one of the breasts appears to be shaped differently, this can be one of the breast cancer symptoms she should look for. In some rare cases, there can be a bruise on the breast that does not heal.

Other breast cancer symptoms include itchy breasts or painful swelling in the breast; however, women should realize that painful swelling in the breasts is most likely a sign of hormonal changes and not a breast cancer symptom. Although a mammogram cannot prevent breast cancer, it can detect the cancer or pre-cancer prior to breast cancer symptoms become apparent, giving a woman an excellent chance of a full recovery. If you are concerned about breast cancer symptoms, see you doctor to get a full diagnosis.