Breast cancer is the number one cancer in new incidences per year, according to the American Cancer Society. The disease accounts for 28 percent of all new cases of female cancer, which is an estimated 207,000 women in 2010. As the most common cancer diagnosis in women, being aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer can potentially lead to an earlier diagnosis instead of late detection. It’s important to note that early breast cancer typically doesn’t cause any symptoms, and only when the tumor grows to a larger size does it affect the breast in any noticeable ways.

Some signs and symptoms of breast cancer are:

• A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm (axillary) area
• A change in the size or shape of the breast
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin of the breast
• Skin on the breast that has an orange-peel appearance
• A nipple turned inward toward the breast
• Discharge of fluid from the nipple, especially if it is bloody
• Warm, scaly, red or swollen skin on the breast, nipple, or areola

Some of the other possible signs of breast cancer can include peeling or flaking of nipple skin, swelling of the armpit, or any flat spots or indentations on the breast. Many misdiagnoses in breast cancer occur in younger women when doctors dismiss possible symptoms because breast cancer is so uncommon at young ages. If any of the above symptoms are experienced, it is suggested by the Mayo Clinic that you speak with your doctor about the possibility of breast cancer.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer and feel it was originally missed or misdiagnosed by your doctor in Georgia, please request a copy of our free book, I Have Cancer…Should It Have Been Caught Earlier?, and arrange a free consultation with an experienced Atlanta breast cancer attorney at the Dover Law Firm by calling 770-518-1133.