EP153: 4 Warning Signs of Breast Cancer and How to Do a Self-Breast Exam

<p dir="ltr">No matter where you live or who you are, breast cancer </p> <p dir="ltr">could affect your life.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">—Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">For nearly 4 decades now, October has been recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. No matter where you live or who you are, breast cancer could affect your life. </p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Understanding what’s normal for you and recognizing the warning signs of breast cancer are the best things you can know about and look for each month by doing your monthly self-breast exams. </p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">▶️ 4 Warning Signs of Breast Cancer and How to Do a Self-Breast Exam</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Key points covered in this episode:</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">✔️Warning Sign #1: A change in the breast or nipple appearance</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Any unexplained change in the shape or size of the breast; especially if it’s only on one side – this includes your breast getting larger or smaller </p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Asymmetry – it is common for one breast to be larger than the other, so this is more about a recent onset of asymmetry.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Skin of the nipple, areola, or nipple becoming red, swollen, scaly, or developing ridges that looks like an orange peel</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Dimpling anywhere</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">✔️Warning Sign #2: Any nipple discharge – particularly clear, bloody, or milky discharge</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">If you are not breastfeeding, your nipples should not have any discharge; this may not be linked to breast cancer but needs to be checked out by your provider.</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">✔️Warning Sign #3: Change in