Years ago, my mother died of breast cancer and i am afraid that i might have it too. what are some red flags i should watch out for?

A young woman: Dying of cancer leaving a family behind is a nightmare. My wife'smother died when she was 5. Neither she nor her two sisters developed breast cancer. A single episode in a relative does not determine fate for the rest for the family. Self exam, professional exam, and mammography are the best ways to guard against breast ca death.

Signs+symptoms: The signs and symptoms of breast cancer include: a lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm that persists through the menstrual cycle; change in the size, shape, or contour of the breast; blood-stained or clear fluid discharge from the nipple; change in the feel or appearance of the skin on the breast or nipple (dimpled, puckered, scaly, or inflamed). If concerned, see your doc.