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Breast cancer has a nasty habit of remaining hidden. We do not get much of an alarm bell or a warning flag in advance of it emerging.

Early breast cancer does not reveal outward symptoms of its presence. No warnings and likely no pain. The only method for detecting breast cancer in its early stage is to find a lump or other abnormality. Most of the time this comes about from a breast self-examination, or from a regular mammogram test.

Most lumps that are found in the breast are not cancerous. However, it is essential to have a doctor examine the lump immediately.

For some women, breast cancer initially presents as a bump under the arm or above the collarbone that doesn't go away. As the disease progresses, other symptoms will appear such as nipple inversion or discharge, or changes to the skin and surface of the breast.

Discharge from the breast is quite common and is rarely a symptom of cancer. However, if there is blood in the discharge, or if it happens in only one breast, then a physician would be more concerned. Nipple inversion is also very common, but if it occurs suddenly, it should also be brought to the attention of your doctor.

Swelling or redness in the breast may be an indication of an infection present in the breast tissue. Any infections, regardless of the type or cause, should be treated promptly. See your doctor right away if you notice redness, swelling or severe pain in your breast, in your armpit, or under your shoulder.

Sometime a change in skin, such as textural changes or puckering, can appear alongside breast cancer. Of course, many other diseases can also cause these effects, so it is valuable to eliminate the possibility of breast cancer by having an exam by a doctor.

Breast cancer can slowly develop over months or years. However, once it is clearly diagnosed, it is crucial to start treatment as soon as practicable. Breast cancer can metastasize and thus spread throughout the body, and the goal is to begin treatment before this has a chance to happen.

Some of the earliest signs of breast cancer can be detected by a mammogram test. Women over 40 should have this test done once per year. The test uses an electronic scanner to examine breast tissue. If something abnormal shows up, contact your physician to determine if it is something to worry about and seek treatment for.

In addition to a mammogram, manual examination and ultrasolography may also be used to detect abnormalities. A complete physical examination of the breast includes a visual inspection and palpitation, including the armpits and areas around the collarbone. Your healthcare provider may palpate for a lump or feel for a thickening in the skin. A biopsy, where a piece of the lump or tissue is removed, is the only definite method to test the cells and provide a positive diagnosis.

It's imperative that women are aware of the symptoms of breast cancer:

* A lump in the breast, above the collarbone or under the arm, that stays for longer than a week

* Discharge from a nipple

* Inversion of the nipple or other changes to the nipple

* Skin surface changes on the breast

Don't take chances with your health. If you notice any of these breast cancer symptoms, see your doctor right away.