Breast Cancer
BSN Nursing Students: Morgan Bosley, Anna Ohlin, Cierra Latronica
Signs and Symptoms
People show many types of signs and symptoms
when they have breast cancer.
Some people appear asymptomatic, meaning
they do not show any indicators that they have
breast cancer.
Women
- May experience a new or worsening lump in the breast
or armpit area, called the tail of spence. Note that a lump
may be noncancerous, get new lumps examined.   cancer and smoking. Women who smoke before menopause
- May have thickening or swelling in the general breast
- May have dimpling in the breast
- May have redness, dryness, or flaking near the nipple
on the breast
- May have pulling in on the nipple or pain on the nipple
- May have discharge of blood or pus from the nipple
- May show changes in general size or shape of the
breast
Men
- Men may also experience signs and symptoms of
breast cancer, although it is not as common  
- May experience lumps and swelling of the breast
- May have redness and flaking
- May have dimpling, irritation, or pulling near the
nipple
- May have blood or discharge from the nipple
Bitonte College of Health and Human Services
Breast Self Exam Preventative Measures
1) Stand in front of a mirror with arms
There are a variety of lifestyle changes that can be made
in the air and then hands on hips.
to reduce the chances of getting breast cancer
Observe for any unusual areas,
dimpling or fluid.
-Limit Alcohol: It is important to limit yourself to less than one
2) Lay down flat and palpate the
alcoholic beverage a day, because even small amounts of
breast from outer to inner breast, in
alcohol can increase your risk for breast cancer.
a circular motion. Circle around the
nipple to feel for lumps or
-Exercise: It is important for adults to get at least 150 minutes
tenderness.
of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise
3) Feel breasts while standing or
each week.
sitting. One of the best times to do
this is in the shower.
-Stop Smoking: Evidence shows a link between breast
Normal/Abnormal Findings
have an even higher risk
Normal:
soft, round breasts with no dimpling, -Weight Control: Obesity can cause an increased risk for
breast cancer,  especially in later life after menopause.
tenderness, lumps, or masses. Nipples
should not be inverted or have fluid
coming from them. Breast tissue should -Limit exposure to radiation and environmental pollution:
feel smooth and be of normal skin color. Certain medical imaging tests are necessary but may
increase the risk for cancer, including breast cancer. If you
Abnormal: are already at risk for breast cancer only get these tests done
Dimpling, fluid coming from nipple, hard
when necessary. Some jobs may also involve pollution and
lumps or masses, breast tenderness,
environmental concerns that may make the chance for breast
discoloration, or inverted nipple
cancer go up as well
-Limit hormone therapy: If an individual is on combination
hormone therapy for 3-5 years or more it will increase the risk
for breast cancer. One may have to investigate non-hormonal
therapies to reduce this risk. If an individual must take
hormone therapy, they should try to take a lower dose and
monitor the length of time the drugs are taken
Department of Nursing