6 Surprising Symptoms of Breast Cancer You Need to Know

UPPER BACK PAIN Some women experience back pain between the shoulder blades before any other sign of breast cancer. Most breast tumors develop in the glandular tissue of the breast, which extends deep into the chest and can grow toward the ribs and spine. The resulting pain may be felt in the back.

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Pay attention to more than just lumps

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and while women far and wide have always been advised to perform self-exams at least once a month to check for lumps—40 percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel them—there are other lesser-known symptoms that women should be aware of — especially African-American women.

African-American women are 40 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than their white counterparts. According to a recent study, the disparities are largely attributed to factors including socioeconomic status and access to health care, as poor women, especially in segregated areas, can't easily access facilities that screen for breast cancer or provide treatment.

Though the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends getting a mammogram every other year for women ages 50 to 74, above are six lesser-known signs to look out for before making the appointment.

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