VISITING ANGELS CULLMAN, AL 256-734-6600
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Signs and Symptoms

Each October, the USA turns a shade of pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is an annual reminder to shine attention on cancer that continues to affect the lives of women and men around the world. According to breastcancer.org, "About 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. In 2020, an estimated 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 48,530 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer."

The one fact that remains is that early detection saves lives. The signs and symptoms of breast cancer can vary based on the type of cancer and the person; however, specific symptoms remain as tell-tale signs of breast cancer. The following are a few reminders of what to look for:

Lump or Mass Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Signs and Symptoms

The most apparent sign of breast cancer is a lump or mass that you can feel under the surface of the skin. The mass may be in the breast itself or swollen lymph nodes in the underarm area. It can present in multiple ways and still be breast cancer, such as painless and hard with uneven edges or soft, round and tender to touch.

Not all lumps are detected through self or external clinical examination. Mammograms are an essential tool to detect masses that lie deeper within the breast tissue. Mammograms essentially take an x-ray of the breast tissue and can detect lumps deeper within. If cancer is detected, doctors use mammograms to pinpoint the mass's location and understand its size. Other screening tests explained by the American Cancer Society include breast ultrasound and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Pain or Changes in Skin

The American Cancer Society explains additional symptoms of breast cancer as follow:

  • Swelling of all or part of a breast (even if no lump is felt)
  • Skin dimpling (sometimes looking like an orange peel)
  • Breast or nipple pain
  • Nipple or breast skin that is red, dry, flaking or thickened

When to Seek Medical Attention

Should you detect a mass, unusual pain or skin changes, you must see your doctor as soon as possible. A complete medical workup will determine if cancer is present and what steps to take next. Your doctor will direct you with how often you should receive a mammogram based on your circumstances and family history. Those at higher risk due to a previous diagnosis or family history should receive testing more often.

How Visiting Angels Cullman Can Help

If you or a senior loved one either requires a visit to a physician for breast cancer testing or post-operative treatment, the compassionate caregivers of Visiting Angels Cullman can help. We are the premier senior in-home caregivers in Cullman, Etowah, Walker, Marshall and Blount Counties. Our Personal Care and Ready-Set-Go Home Programs assist seniors with tasks such as:

  • Transport and accompany seniors to doctor appointments
  • Following hospitalization or surgery, assistance with personal care such as bathing and dressing
  • Standby assistance when navigating stairs in the home
  • Grocery shopping and preparation of nutritious meals
  • Medication schedule support
  • Ensure follow-through with the hospital discharge plan

If you would like to learn more, call us at 256-734-6600 or contact us online today.

Serving Cullman, Etowah, Walker, Marshall & Blount Counties

Visiting Angels CULLMAN, AL
207 4th St SE #A
Cullman, AL 35055
Phone: 256-734-6600
Fax: 256-734-6616

Serving Cullman, Etowah, Walker, Marshall & Blount Counties

Visiting Angels CULLMAN, AL
207 4th St SE #A
Cullman, AL 35055
Phone: 256-734-6600
Fax: 256-734-6616