What Does Breast Cancer Look Like?

BY LANA SHIKHMAN, MD, FACS, OF ELLIOT BREAST HEALTH CENTER

According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer. If you suspect you have breast cancer, schedule a doctor’s appointment right away. Early detection is key to successful treatment.

Signs and Symptoms

• Breast cancer can appear in several ways:

• A breast lump or thickened area of skin that feels different from the surrounding tissue

• A nipple that looks flattened or turns inward

• Changes in the color of the breast skin

• Change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast

• Changes to the skin over the breast

• Peeling, scaling, crusting or flaking of the skin on the breast

Importance of Mammograms

Regular mammograms can detect breast cancer before symptoms develop and are critical for early detection of breast cancer. The American College of Radiology and American Society of Breast Surgeons recommend that women aged 40 and above should start screening mammograms every year until a shared decision between provider and patient is made to discontinue them.

U.S. breast cancer death rates have been declining for several decades due to advancements in prevention, early detection and treatment. Remember to schedule your mammogram, and be sure that those around you do the same.

Learn more about the Elliot Breast Health Center at ElliotHospital.org/BreastHealth.