Before knowing Breast Cancer Symptoms and reasons for breast cancer let us first know what is Breast Cancer. It is a type of cancer that develops in the cells of the breast. It occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a mass or lump called a tumor. Breast cancer can occur in both women and men, but it is much more common in women. Breast Cancer can be one of the Breast Pain Reasons.
BREAST CANCER SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of breast cancer in females and males may be many but breast cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages, which is why regular mammograms are recommended for women starting at age 50 or earlier for those with a family history of breast cancer. However, as cancer grows, it can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area
- Changes in breast size or shape
- Nipple discharge, especially if it is bloody
- Nipple inversion or retraction
- Skin changes, such as dimpling, puckering, redness, or scaling
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Swollen lymph nodes under the arm
It is important to note that many of these breast cancer symptoms can be caused by conditions other than breast cancer, but if you notice any changes in your breast or want to know the breast pain reasons or have concerns about breast cancer, it is important to talk to your doctor. Early detection and treatment can improve the chances of successful treatment and survival from breast cancer.
TYPES OF BREAST CANCER
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.
There are different types of breast cancer, but the most common type is invasive ductal carcinoma, which starts in the milk ducts and then invades surrounding breast tissue.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma.
Other types of breast cancer include invasive lobular carcinoma, which starts in the milk-producing glands.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer.
It is a rare but aggressive form of breast cancer that causes the breast to become red and swollen.
How to Find Out
Though there are many breast cancer symptoms, however, it is typically diagnosed through a combination of imaging tests, such as mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRIs, and a biopsy, in which a small sample of tissue is taken from the breast and examined under a microscope. In USA, the American Cancer Society is one of the leading societies that are spreading awareness regarding the Breast Cancer.
Breast Cancer Treatment Options
After the breast cancer symptoms and the diagnosis comes the treatment for breast cancer. Treatment for breast cancer depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as other factors such as the patient’s age and overall health. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these. Early detection and treatment are important for improving the chances of successful treatment and survival. WHO is leading the cause to fight breast cancer and spread awareness.
Causes of Breast Cancer
Having known and read about the breast cancer symptoms and signs let us now read about the reasons that cause breast cancer. The exact causes of breast cancer are not fully understood, but it is thought to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Some of the known risk factors for breast cancer include:
Age
The risk of breast cancer increases as a woman gets older, with most cases occurring in women over the age of 50.
Gender.
Women are much more likely than men to develop breast cancer.
Family History.
Women with a family history of breast cancer, especially with a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter), have a higher risk of developing the disease.
Genetic Mutations.
Inherited mutations in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can increase the risk of breast cancer.
Reproductive Factors.
Women who have never had children or who had their first child after age 30 may have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer.
Hormonal Factors.
Hormonal factors such as the early onset of menstruation, the late onset of menopause, and the use of hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of breast cancer. Estrogen is a major hormone that manages the female specific functions in body. For more on Estrogen read our blog on Benefits of Estrogen
Lifestyle Factors.
Lifestyle factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, and being overweight or obese may increase the risk of breast cancer.
It is important to note that breast cancer symptoms may be many but having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean a person will develop breast cancer, and many people who develop breast cancer have no known risk factors. According to WHO, Breast Cancer is now one of the most common forms of Cancer.
How to Check for Breast Cancer
Breast self-examination (BSE) is one way to check for any changes or abnormalities in the breast. However, it is important to note that BSE is not a substitute for regular clinical breast exams and mammograms, which are recommended for women starting at age 50 or earlier for those with a family history of breast cancer. Whether you are having breast cancer symptoms or not but regular BSE is highly recommended.
To perform a breast self-exam, follow these steps:
Step 1
Stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides and look for any changes in the shape, size, or color of your breasts. Also look for any changes in the skin, such as dimpling, puckering, or redness.
Step 2
Raise your arms above your head and look for the same changes.
Step 3
Place one hand behind your head and use the pads of your fingers on your other hand to feel for any lumps, bumps, or thickening in the breast tissue. Move your fingers in a circular motion around the breast, starting from the outside and moving toward the nipple. Be sure to cover the entire breast and armpit area.
Step 4
Repeat the same process while lying down with a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Use the same circular motion with the pads of your fingers to feel for any lumps or changes in the breast tissue.
Step 5
Repeat the same process on the left breast.
If you notice any changes or abnormalities during a breast self-exam, it is important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Consult your doctor even if there are the slightest breast cancer symptoms. They can perform a clinical breast exam and recommend further testing if needed, such as a mammogram or biopsy.
FAQs
Question 1. What is one of the first breast cancer symptoms and signs?
Answer. Some of the initial breast cancer symptoms are tenderness in breasts, change in color, nipple inversion, and swollen and hard lymph nodes in the area.
Question 2. What age does breast cancer usually start?
Answer. Usually, it occurs in middle-aged or older women. It might happen to girls in their twenties and men as well.
Question 3. How can I myself check for breast cancer symptoms and signs at home?
Answer. Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is a well-known method for the home detection of Breast Cancer. To put it simply, stand in front of a mirror and take a visual examination to detect any changes in shape or color. Then physically inspect the breast area one by one to detect any cyst, hardness, or nipple discharge. In case of any doubt consult your doctor.
Question 4. Is breast cancer curable?
Answer. With early detection and treatment, the chances of surviving breast cancer are high.
Question 5. What are the causes of breast cancer?
Answer. Some of the breast cancer causes or reasons are increasing age, obesity, genetic history of breast cancer, hormonal factors, and reproductive factors.