The most common way to identify breast cancer that every woman should know is a breast lump. Though not always indicative of cancer, it is the most frequent sign of breast cancer. But it’s crucial that the lumps are taken seriously. Thanks to screening mammography, most breast cancers are caught early, even before the lump goes noticed.
As said, lumps aren’t the sole breast cancer indicators you should watch for. It’s likely to stumble upon most breast cancer symptoms during things like taking a bath. Paying attention to your breasts’ appearance and texture can go a long way. Keep an eye out for anything unusual, such as a lump, as this can help to nab the illness early, rendering it more manageable. Mostly, breast alterations are linked to hormonal changes or less grave conditions than breast cancer. If you notice any symptoms of breast cancer, even if they seem minor, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor. Let’s elaborate on the most common cancer sign;
- The breast or underarm lump. Many patients compare it to a ball or a tiny, hard point. Lumps could feel either tough or squishy to touch. You might not spot it if your breasts are small or the lump is not large. Skin redness or a pimple-like texture on the breast,
- Skin scale on the nipple (which could extend to areola)
- A discharge from the nipple
- Changes in the nipple like it pulling or shifting
- Breast or nipple ulcers (potentially extending to the areola)
- A rough, orange peel-like skin thickening isn’t uncommon either
- Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
- Pain in any area of the breast
And yes, men aren’t entirely safe – they can also have breast cancer, although it’s rare. The most typical symptoms for them are lumps, discharge, or dimpling.
The importance of the breast self-exam
Knowing your own body is key to detecting signs of breast cancer. Self-checking your breasts regularly allows you to spot what is normal for you. With an uptick in young women diagnosed with the illness, this becomes more vital. The majority of women are advised to get a screening mammogram at 40. Yet, we are noticing women in their 30s, especially within the African-American community, also getting diagnosed. If you’re below 40, and not qualified for a screening mammogram, a diagnostic mammogram is an option if a clinical issue arises.
Always remember that self-checks matter. Contact your doctor if anything seems out of place. Masses might appear and dissipate with your period and due to other reasons. An enduring mass warrants evaluation, even if it’s not due for a regular mammogram. When a lump is found or there are other breast cancer signs, a diagnostic mammogram or an ultrasound can be considered. Your radiologist and patient navigator will guide you after imaging. Based on the results, you might resume regular check-ups or follow up with your primary care doctor. In some cases, you could be directed to an oncologist or a surgeon for treatment.
What are the causes of breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a result of normal breast cells transforming into malignant ones, which then divide and multiply, forming tumors. Yet, what sets off this transformation is a mystery. Studies highlight numerous factors that could raise your likelihood of developing breast cancer. These comprise:
- Age: People aged 55 or older.
- Gender: Women and individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) have a higher occurrence than men and those assigned male at birth (AMAB).
- Family history: Cancer history in your immediate family could increase your risk.
- Genetics: About 15% of breast cancer cases result from inherited gene mutations, primarily concerning the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
- Smoking: This habit is linked to assorted cancer types, including breast cancer.
- Alcohol consumption: Drinks containing alcohol could heighten the risk.
- Obesity.
- Radiation exposure: Prior exposure – particularly to head, neck or chest – might surge risk levels.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): This treatment raises chances of diagnosis.
Also Read: Stage 1 Breast Cancer Symptoms
What are the complications of breast cancer?
Metastatic breast cancer – which expands to other body parts such as brain, bones, liver, or lungs – is the largest concern. Reports indicate that approximately 1 in 3 women or persons AFAB with initial stage cancer eventually develop metastatic infection.
Staging breast cancer
Your healthcare team may perform more tests to ascertain cancer spread once they diagnose you with breast cancer. This is commonly referred to as the cancer’s stage, and it’s vital for predicting your prognosis. Full information on your cancer’s stage might only become clear post-surgery. The tests and procedures to stage breast cancer could include:
- Blood examinations, including complete blood count and kidney and liver function tests.
- Bone scan.
- Computed Tomography (CT) scan.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan.
The selected tests depend on your unique case. Stages of breast cancer differ between 0 and 4, with a lower number representing less-progressed cancer with higher chances of cure. Stage 0 signifies confined cancer within a breast duct, which hasn’t invaded breast tissue. The stages increase as the cancer progresses into breast tissue. Stage 4 signifies cancer spread to other body regions.
Care at Denvax India
The empathetic team at Denvax India is ready to help you with your breast cancer-related health issues.
Treatment
Let’s talk about breast cancer treatment. Often, the first step is surgery to eliminate the cancer. For most, additional treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapies are needed post-surgery. Sometimes chemotherapy or hormone therapy are given prior to surgery to reduce the size of the cancer for easier removal. Your specific breast cancer plays a significant role when drawing up your treatment plan. This includes factors like the stage of the cancer, its growth rate, and the sensitivity of the cells to hormones.
Communicating your preferences and overall health status also play parts. Breast cancer treatment boasts a myriad of options. You can feel quite overloaded trying to weigh them all and decide on your care path. It may be beneficial to consider a second opinion from a specialized breast center. Speaking to fellow breast cancer survivors can offer different perspectives.
Breast Surgery
Breast cancer surgery usually comprises two procedures: cancer removal and lymph node extraction. Your care plan may include lumpectomy (removal of the cancer and a bit of healthy tissue, leaving other breast tissue intact), mastectomy (complete removal of breast tissue), sentinel node biopsy (removal a few lymph nodes for testing), axillary lymph node dissection (removal of several lymph nodes) or bilateral mastectomy (removal of both breasts).
Despite the chosen procedure, complications might arise, such as pain, bleeding, infection or lymphedema. Some may opt for breast reconstruction post-mastectomy.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy utilizes potent energy beams and is often used after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. Side effects include fatigue, a sunburn-like rash and swollen or firm breast tissue.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy treats cancer with potent medicines administered through a vein or pill, killing any remaining cancer cells post-surgery. Depending on the medication you receive, side effects may vary from nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, infection risk, premature menopause, or nerve damage to very rare instances of blood cell cancer.
Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy for cancers sensitive to hormones estrogen and progesterone employs select medicines to block these hormones from fueling cancer cells’ growth.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy refers to medicines that pinpoint specific cancer cell chemicals. These medicines largely focus on the protein HER2, which aids cancer cells’ survival.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy enlists your own body’s defense system to exterminate cancer cells. Palliative care, a vital complementary treatment, prioritizes the quality of life and symptom management for patients and their families. This approach is delivered by a team of professionals offering a supportive layer in conjunction with other cancer treatments.
People with breast cancer who seek care at Denvax India will find dedicated breast cancer specialists who provide expert, personalized care using the latest treatment innovations and technology. Breast health specialists in the Denvax India Breast Clinic coordinate care for people with breast cancer. These internal medicine doctors who focus solely on caring for people with breast cancer and other breast conditions will meet with you to understand your needs and make arrangements for necessary tests and appointments. Often, your appointments can be coordinated over a matter of days in one facility.
Also Read: Breast Cancer Treatment Cost in India