In many women, the skin starts looking like an orange peel. The skin becomes rough, redness occurs or a depressed area appears. This change occurs when cancer cells block small tubes under the skin. This may seem like an infection, but it could also be a sign of a more serious condition, so it is important to get checked by a doctor.

Change in nipple is also an early sign. If the nipple suddenly turns inwards, its color or shape changes or rashes and layers start coming off at that place, then it should not be ignored. If a fluid that does not resemble milk comes out of the nipple, such as clear water, blood or pus, it may indicate a problem with the milk ducts and requires immediate examination.

Pain that is not related to periods should also be taken seriously. Some women experience persistent sharp or pricking pain. Pain alone does not confirm the disease, but if pain is accompanied by swelling, nipple changes or skin changes, it is important to consult a doctor.

Swelling in the breast or armpit is also often an early symptom. Sometimes, even without any lump, the lymph nodes near the armpit or collar bone become swollen. This swelling indicates that the cells have reached the lymph tubes, so testing should be done immediately.

If you notice even a slight change in the shape or form of the breast, do not take it lightly. A breast suddenly appearing larger, irregular shape, stretch or depression in the skin, appearance of a new shadow, all these signs can be seen in the beginning itself. Looking at the breasts in different hand positions helps in identifying these changes.

It is very important to recognize these signs because the success of treatment depends on at which stage the disease is caught. Just finding a lump is not enough. Pain, swelling, skin changes or nipple changes are equally important.

The best way to protect yourself is to know the normal appearance of your breasts and take any new changes seriously. If you notice fluid coming from the nipple, skin changes, persistent pain, swelling or difference in shape, contact a doctor immediately. Early detection is the best protection.

Women all over the world get this test done for breast checkup. But experts say that all women should not depend on mammogram for breast test because it is not effective for many women, especially in a country like India.

Actually, the pattern of breast cancer among women in India is quite different from that of the western countries. Here this disease starts from an early age and the breast tissue is more dense in women. Also, the facilities for its treatment and detection are very less here. In India this problem starts from the age of 45 whereas in the West it starts from 55.

Doctors say that mammogram works better in fatty breast tissue. But due to dense breasts in Indian women, early symptoms of cancer are missed during this test or wrong reports are received. Therefore it is not beneficial.

In such a situation, doctors say that in a country like India, the option of ultrasound is better. Also, women should also do self breast examination.

Breast cancer has become the most common cancer in India today and is spreading rapidly in comparison to the West. In such a situation, 40 to 50 percent of women die due to non-diagnosis or late detection of this disease.

A research by Tata Memorial Hospital found that even when mammogram was combined with clinical breast examination, correct detection could not be done and deaths continued to occur. At the same time, the study of Sanjay Gandhi PGI shows that if women do self breast examination every month, then they can identify the changes early and get them treated immediately.

Also, doctors say that women should examine their own breasts every month and pay attention to any lumps or changes in the nipples. Apart from this, if any problem arises, get targeted imaging done.