More and more women are now surviving after being diagnosed with having breast cancer simply because it has been discovered in its very early stages of development. Because so much is being written on the subject more and more women are actually becoming aware of what the symptoms of breast cancer are and what they should do if they feel that they may be suffering from them.

The most common forms of benign lumps a woman is likely to suffer from and which can often be mistaken for being breast cancer are cysts and Fibroadenoma. Although a woman can suffer from these at any stage of her life, they more commonly occur once a woman has reached the age of 35 or beyond. But if you notice some dramatic changes in the way your breasts feel or look then it is important that seek medical advice as soon as possible. The kinds changes we are talking about which may well be caused by the development of breast cancer are as follows:

One of the most common symptoms associated with breast cancer is a lump or part of the breast seems to feel harder and thicker in texture to other parts of it. Also in some cases the skin may be come dimpled and will look just like the skin of an orange does. If you notice at any time the shape of your nipple has become to change or it does something completely out of character. It becomes to turn in or actually sinks back into the breast then this may be a sign of something serious. Plus if you begin to notice a blood colored discharge from this part of your breast it is essential you seek medical advice as soon as you can.

Although not a common symptom that a woman may possibly be developing breast cancer another one is that a rash appears on or around the nipple area. If after carrying out a self-examination of your breasts you find a lump either on the breast themselves or in your armpits, it is advisable that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. If the symptoms of breast cancer can be diagnosed when it is in the early stages of development, then there is an increased chance of the condition being treated and a cure found. This then increases a woman’s chances of actually surviving what used to be the most prevalent of all the cancers around to kill women.

The threat of breast cancer is upsetting for anyone, particularly during pregnancy, but it is not uncommon. Pregnant women and physicians should become more aware of the risk associated with cancer. The obstetricians are usually more focused on the health of the unborn baby than the mother’s possible illness but should be more aware of the risk of breast cancer. Women should examine their breasts regularly and tell their doctor about any changes they discover. Not only is diagnosis often delayed, but there is a high rate of false-negative results of a mammography due to the increased density of the breast during pregnancy. Ultrasonogaphy is the best way to check for cancerous lumps in pregnant and lactating women. Many studies have shown that the tumors in pregnant women are larger and are more likely to spread.

Pregnant women should be encouraged to know that treatment is as successful and safe as in non-pregnant women. Surgery is the best route although there is a small risk of premature labor. Radiation therapy is not offered during pregnancy but patients can be safely treated with certain forms of chemotherapy from three months onwards. This may be continued after the baby is born, although mothers should not breast feed their babies while they are having chemotherapy. Treatments are planned around the expected delivery date and are administered as close to term as possible, Through the process, oncologists communicate regularly with a woman’s obstetrician.

Overall survival of pregnant women with breast cancer may be worse than in non pregnant women at all stages however, this may be due primarily to delayed diagnoses. Termination of pregnancy has not been shown to have any beneficial effect on breast cancer outcome and is not usually considered as a therapeutic option. Termination of pregnancy, however, may be considered, based on the age of the fetus, and if maternal treatment options, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, are significantly limited by the continuation of the pregnancy.