6 Signs of Breast Cancer

Early detection is crucial.

Cervical Cancer Is Not a Game for Black Women - Of the 2,000 Black women diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, a whopping 40 percent of us will die from the disease. This is due to a range of factors, including poor access to health care, high rates of HPV infections and being diagnosed with cancer way too late for treatment to be as effective as it could be.  (Photo: JGI/Tom Grill/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Get Familiar - Do you know the symptoms of breast cancer? While any of these things could possibly be caused by another ailment, early detection is crucial. So if you notice one or more of them, make an appointment with your physician to be sure everything is okay. By Kenrya Rankin Naasel  (Photo: JGI/Tom Grill/Blend Images/Corbis)

A Lump - Ring the alarm if you feel a lump or other thickening in your breast tissue or under your arm. Typically, a cancer mass is painless, hard and has irregular edges, but there are types that feel round and soft and tender to the touch, so always get lumps checked out. (Photo: Sharie Kennedy/LWA/Corbis)

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A Lump - Ring the alarm if you feel a lump or other thickening in your breast tissue or under your arm. Typically, a cancer mass is painless, hard and has irregular edges, but there are types that feel round and soft and tender to the touch, so always get lumps checked out. (Photo: Sharie Kennedy/LWA/Corbis)

Bra or Nah? - Wearing a bra surprisingly can be comforting as it helps restrict natural movements that could lead to irritation. If you tend to sweat, however, just be sure to change your bra frequently to prevent moisture from building up. (Photo: Anthony Redpath/CORBIS)

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Nipple Tenderness - If your nipple or other part of your breast is inexplicably tender or sore, make an appointment.  (Photo: Anthony Redpath/CORBIS)

Skin Changes - Some breast cancers cause a change in the texture of the skin. It’s often described as looking like an orange peel, with enlarged pores and ridges. It can also manifest as red, scaly, flaky patches or even cellulite-like dimpling.  (Photo: Frank May DPA /LANDOV)

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Skin Changes - Some breast cancers cause a change in the texture of the skin. It’s often described as looking like an orange peel, with enlarged pores and ridges. It can also manifest as red, scaly, flaky patches or even cellulite-like dimpling.  (Photo: Frank May DPA /LANDOV)

Keep It Clean, But Don’t Touch It - This is perhaps the most oxymoronic direction you’ll get from your piercer. Touching and playing with your piercing is the leading cause of infections within the first month, so minimize touching your piercing as much as possible to only when cleaning it. First and foremost, when cleaning, make sure your hands are clean. Then use a mild antibacterial soap to cleanse it daily by moving it very gently to remove the crusting. Finally, be sure to dry your nipples thoroughly. (Photo: Ariel Skelley/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Inverted Nipple - If your typically outward pointing nipples are suddenly turning inward, get yourself to the doctor. (Photo: Ariel Skelley/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Size Changes - Whether your breasts unexpectedly swell or shrink, a change in size — especially if it’s just on one side — is a sign of possible breast cancer.  (Photo: Vladimir Blinov/Getty Images)

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Size Changes - Whether your breasts unexpectedly swell or shrink, a change in size — especially if it’s just on one side — is a sign of possible breast cancer.  (Photo: Vladimir Blinov/Getty Images)

Nipple Discharge - If you’re not pregnant or postnatal, nipple discharge — especially if it’s bloody or clear — is a signal that you need to schedule an exam.  (Photo: Jason Homa/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Nipple Discharge - If you’re not pregnant or postnatal, nipple discharge — especially if it’s bloody or clear — is a signal that you need to schedule an exam.  (Photo: Jason Homa/Blend Images/Corbis)