What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast divide and grow without their normal control. Tumors in the breast tend to grow slowly. By the time a lump is large enough to feel, it may have been growing for as long as 10 years.

Warning Signs

A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm that persists through the menstrual cycle
A mass or lump, which may feel as small as a pea
A change in the size, shape, or contour of the breast
A blood-stained or clear fluid discharge from the nipple
A change in the feel or appearance of the skin on the breast or nipple (dimpled, puckered, scaly, or inflamed)
Redness of the skin on the breast or nipple

An area that is distinctly different from any other area on either breast
A marble-like hardened area under the skin
These changes may be found during a breast self-exam.

Resources:

Susan B. Komen- http://www.komenaustin.org/
The Sisters Network- http://www.sistersnetworkinc.org/
Alliance for African American Health in Central Texas- https://www.facebook.com/AAAHCT

#breastcancer #selfexam @ujimamagazine #susanbkomen #thesistersnetwork #aaahct #americanheartassociation

Courtesy of Webmd and Susan B. Komen

Photos: Google images carortho.com and healthcureportal

Damita Miller-Shanklin

Publisher of Ujima Magazine