While the claim that the body gives signs "a year before" breast cancer starts is not a standard medical fact, early detection is critical. Many breast cancers are asymptomatic in their earliest stages and are only caught via regular screenings like mammograms.
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Canadian Cancer Society
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However, when symptoms do appear, they are often subtle. Here are four early signs every woman should know:
1. New Lumps or Thickening
The most common sign is a new lump or mass. While most lumps are benign (like cysts), a cancerous lump is typically:
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Canadian Cancer Society
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Hard and painless.
Irregularly shaped.
Persistent, not changing with your menstrual cycle.
Canadian Cancer Society
Canadian Cancer Society
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2. Skin Texture Changes
