Breast cancer is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. In 2005 502,000 people died worldwide as a result of this cancer. Worldwide, more people are diagnosed with breast cancer than any other cancer except for lung cancer and it is the fifth most common cancer overall. While these statistics are alarming, there are ways to keep yourself as safe as possible from this terrible disease.

A lump in the breast is often the first sign of this disease. The lump generally feels different from the surrounding breast tissue. You should immediately see your physician if you discover a lump. Your physician will follow up with appropriate tests and examinations, such as a mammogram, to determine the nature of the lump.

There are other signs like change in size or shape of the breasts, the skin getting dimpled, nipple inversion or a discharge from a single nipple, etc. If there is pain in the breast it is time to go to the doctor. We cannot say for sure that it is a symptom of breast cancer but no harm checking as it could be something else.

Although these symptoms could indicate cancer, do not be overly concerned if you have any of them. Usually there is another explanation for these symptoms that is not related to cancer. This is not to say that you should ignore any problem. You should still visit your doctor if you have these symptoms, but there is no need to become unduly alarmed over what may turn out to be a false alarm.

Should you be diagnosed with breast cancer, what is the next step? What is the sequence of events? Many treatment options are available and your physician will review them with you. Some women are reluctant to seek medical treatment for symptoms because they fear a possible mastectomy. However, a mastectomy is not necessarily the treatment of choice, so do not let this stand in your way of obtaining medical care.

While breast cancer can be a scary topic it is highly treatable. If you do monthly self-exams and get yourself checked regularly by your doctor you will have a better chance of catching this disease early on and preventing the disease from becoming life threatening. For anyone suffering from the disease there are numerous support groups you can join to help you cope.