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8 signs of breast cancer women need to observe
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Mammograms can only do so much; be sure you know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer to catch it early. - photo by Emily Cummings
Thousands of women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. For women, only lung cancer has a higher death rate than breast cancer. While this type of cancer can be deadly, there are warning signs that can help you catch it early.

It isnt exactly known why breast cancer develops, but there are some factors that seem to increase your chances of developing breast cancer. Your age (and gender) increase your risk; While men can be diagnosed with breast cancer, it is one hundred times mores common in women. The highest rate of invasive breast cancer are found in women 55 and older.

There also seems to be a higher risk if your close blood relatives had or have breast cancer. Also, the risk of breast cancer increases with higher amounts of alcohol use and obesity after menopause.

Knowing the risks and the symptoms of breast cancer can significantly increase your chances of catching the illness early. Luckily, there are some things you can look for. While finding a lump in your breast is a common symptom, there are others signs to look for.

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:

1. Breast sizes If the size of one breast enlarges significantly in a short amount of time, this could be a warning sign of breast cancer. Breasts are normally different sizes, but noticing a drastic increase in size or an abnormal change in shape could be something to be concerned about.

2. Swelling Even if there is no lump present, swelling on your breast (even in a small area) is not a good sign. Swelling can also accompany fever-like symptoms; if this is the case, your breasts will feel warm, may become inflamed, become red or purple and will swell. Immediately inform your doctor if you experience these symptoms.

3. Abnormal nipples Other than breast milk, any other discharge is not normal. Decreased nipple sensitivity is also something to be aware of. Additionally, if your nipple retracts (pulls inward,) or is discolored, be sure to call your doctor.

4. Redness or itchiness Having a bumpy orange peel texture on your breast or nipple area could very well be a symptom of breast cancer. If you experience severe itching on your breast and dermatologist visits (and creams) dont soothe your symptoms, call your doctor.

5. Noticing a lump There are benign lumps that form in the breast that may not be cancerous. However, if you notice a mass (that you havent noticed before, or that feels harder than the surrounding lumps) schedule a breast examination. Be sure to notice any sort of abnormal mass near your armpit; though it is not in your breast, it could still be breast cancer.

6. Breast Pain This can be caused by a variety of other things that arent cancer. Fluctuating hormones, some fertility treatments, stress and wearing a bra that doesnt fit right can all cause breast pain. If your pain isnt caused by this list or accompanies other symptoms, contact your doctor.

Some women feel pain in their back or chest instead of their breast. If this pain does not go away with physical therapy or stretching, inform your doctor.

Not all of these symptoms are symptoms of breast cancer. If you get other treatments (like a cream or antibiotic) for these symptoms, but you do not notice a difference within a few days, be sure to call your doctor and be assertive about tests for breast cancer.

Mammograms have significantly increased the detection rate for breast cancer. Regularly schedule these appointments if you are above the age of 40, or if you have a family history of breast cancer. However, there are things a mammogram cannot detect. Having dense breasts make cancer harder to detect even with a mammogram and helps the cancer cells spread more rapidly. Talk to your doctor for additional tests if you fit this description.

Be diligent with your own breast examinations and be aware of what breast cancer symptoms look and feel like. If you are at all concerned, make an appointment with your doctor.
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Have You Seen This? Street musician slays with clarinet
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Better than almost every face-melting guitar or drum solo. - photo by Facebook video screenshot

THE BIG EASY — Yeah, yeah, we all know that New Orleans is stuffed to the gills will incredible musicians.

But knowing that fact and then hearing that fact are two different things. You can step into any number of jazz clubs on any given night on Bourbon Street, and you’ll probably be impressed with virtually every act. Or you can sit at home on your comfy couch and watch this featured video.

In the video, you’ll see a woman who is in the groove. She is swinging hard, and wailing on her clarinet with a practiced expertise that makes it sounds so easy.

From note one you’ll be drawn in; your appreciation will grow with every second, and then your face will melt off when you realize how incredible she really is.

If you’ve never played a woodwind or a brass, you may not know everything that comes with a performance like this. Lung capacity and breath control are huge factors in keeping your notes clear and loud, and hitting those high notes is especially difficult.

So when this woman hits that high note and holds it for several seconds, you know you’re dealing with an exceptional musician. It means she has worked hard for years to develop skill on top of her natural talent, and we get to benefit.

It kinda makes you wonder how we let people get away with mumble rap and autotune when talent like this exists in the world.

I wish this video were longer, and I wish I had more information about this woman, but as it is, we’ll just have to appreciate the little flavor of New Orleans jazz posted by the Facebook group Clarinet Life.

Street musician killing it on clarinet

She must have lungs of iron! Its inspiring hearing the upper registers being played so well.

Posted by Clarinet Life on Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Martha Ostergar is a writer who delights in the ridiculous that internet serves up, which means she's more than grateful that she gets to cruise the web for amazing videos to highlight for your viewing pleasure.
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