- Week 1: Mild itching, blamed laundry detergent
- Week 3: Redness, warm to touch
- Week 5: IBC diagnosis – rapid treatment saved her
Urgent action: Itching + redness = ER visit.
#7 feels like marbles under skin…
7. Hardened Areas: The Marble-Like Masses
Not soft cysts – hard, irregular lumps.
Cancer vs. benign:
| Characteristic | Benign | Malignant |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Smooth, round | Irregular |
| Mobility | Moves freely | Fixed |
| Edges | Well-defined | Spiculated |
| Pain | Often tender | Usually painless |
| Growth | Stable | Progressive |
American Cancer Society: 87% of palpable cancers are hard/fixed.
Self-exam locations:
| Position | Best For Detecting | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Lying down | Upper outer quadrant | Daily |
| Shower | Entire breast | Weekly |
| Mirror | Skin changes | Monthly |
David, 62 (rare male case):
- Month 1: Hard pea-sized lump
- Month 2: Male breast cancer diagnosis
- Survival: Caught early = 95%
#6 hurts constantly…
6. Persistent Breast/Nipple Pain: The Steady Ache
Not menstrual – constant, localized pain.
Pain patterns:
| Cancer Pain | Normal Pain | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Constant | Cyclical | Week 2 |
| One-sided | Both sides | Immediate |
| Deep ache | Surface | Mammogram |
| Progressive | Stable | Urgent |
Study finding: 28% of inflammatory breast cancers present with pain first.
