Symptoms of Breast Cancer: Key Indicators to Be Aware Of

07/31/2024

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer stands out as one the most common types of cancer, which significantly affects women and people assigned female at birth. It can affect men, too, as everyone is born with some breast tissue. It happens when the cells present in your breast grow out of control and become tumors. Over the past few years, the survival rate of people with breast cancer has been improving, and the number of deaths due to it has fallen.

It is more common in women aged 50 and above, but younger women may also develop it. This cancer usually starts in your glands, which are responsible for making milk, or the ducts, which are accountable for carrying milk to the nipple. Over time, it can affect or spread to the nearby lymph nodes or other organs via the bloodstream.

What are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a condition that affects your breast in more than just one way.  You may not experience any evident symptoms in the early stage of breast cancer. Hence, it raises the importance of early detection. A lump under the breast is usually the first sign of breast cancer, which may be noticed by your doctor when you get a mammogram. The following are the signs of breast cancer:

• Having a lump or thickened area near your underarm or breast area

• Experiencing a mass or lump, even if it is as small as a pea

• Encountering changes in your breast size, shape, and curve

• Nipple discharge that can be transparent or bloody

• Alteration in the skin of your nipple and breast, such as scaly, dimpled, or inflamed

• Changes in the position or shape of your nipple

• A solid marble-sized area under the skin 

As soon as you experience any of these symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider immediately. Don’t use or implement any treatment without consulting a specialist.

What are the Most Common Types of Breast Cancer? 

Before onsetting the treatment, the doctor will carry out a comprehensive analysis to determine the type and subtype of breast cancer you are under. Based on the type and subtype, the treatment will be tailored for favorable results.                                    

IDC:

IDC, commonly known as invasive ductal carcinoma,  is the most common type of breast cancer across the United States. This type of cancer begins in your milk ducts and gradually spreads to breast tissues present nearby.

LBC:

LBC is the acronym for lobular breast cancer, which initiates in the lobules (milk-producing glands) in the breast and reaches nearby breast tissues. It is also referred to as the second most common type of breast cancer in the United States of America.

DCIS:

This type of breast cancer also starts in your milk ducts, similar to IDC. However, this doesn’t spread elsewhere.

Who is Prone to Develop Breast Cancer?

Experts believe that breast cancer is a fatal health condition that happens when cells in the breast mutate and transform into malignant cells, which then grow and proliferate to make tumors. However, it is not yet confirmed what causes this alteration. There are certain risk factors available that exaggerate your chances of developing breast cancer. The following are common risk factors for breast cancer: 

Age:

If you are someone who is aged 50 and above, your probability of developing cancer is high, especially if you are a woman. Therefore, keep an eye on your overall well-being and go for regular check-ups.

Sex:

This disease can happen to anyone, irrespective of age and sex. However, women and people assigned female at birth are more inclined to it than people assigned males at birth.

Family History:

If you have a blood connection or relatives living with breast cancer, your chances of developing it are slightly higher than other people.

Genetics:

Approximately 15% of breast cancer patients develop this condition because they have hereditary genetic mutations. 

Tobacco Use:

Using tobacco in any form results in increased chances of developing breast cancer. Tobacco use is linked to many types of cancer, which includes breast cancer as well.

Being Obese:

Being overweight or obese can elevate your chances of coming across breast cancer. Therefore, aim to cut off extra weight before it leads to serious consequences like breast cancer.

Radiation Exposure:

If you have been through any radiation therapy, especially in the following parts: neck, head, or chest, you are prone to develop it.

HRT:

HRT or hormone replacement therapy can increase your chances of developing breast cancer. Therefore, before getting it, discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. 

How is Breast Cancer Detected? 

In order to detect breast cancer, you may be suggested mammograms along with a physical examination to check the symptoms of breast cancer. The following diagnostic tests may be requested to diagnose the condition:

• Breast biopsy

• Breast ultrasound

• Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

• Immunohistochemistry

• Genetic tests to identify mutations

How Many Stages are There in Breast Cancer? 

There are mainly 5 stages of breast cancer, and treatment is planned based on the stages you are on. The number of symptoms may vary in each stage of breast cancer. The stage is determined based on breast cancer type, tumor size, and location. The following are the stages of  this medical condition:

Stage 0:

In stage 0, the disease has not spread from the ducts to other regions associated with the breast. In other words, the disease remains invasive in stage 0. 

Stage 1:

If there are any cancerous cells in your breast tissues, you are considered on stage 1 of breast cancer.   

Stage 2:

In stage 2, cancerous cells in the breast have made a tumor or tumors. The tumor will be 

• Either smaller than 2 centimeters in size but has reached underarm lymph nodes.

• Or larger than 5 centimeters but hasn’t spread to regions like underarm lymph nodes.

In this stage, the tumor size may range from 2 centimeters to 5 centimeters and may or may not affect the lymph nodes present nearby.

Stage 3: 

If there is breast cancer in nearby lymph nodes and tissues. This stage of breast cancer is also identified as advanced breast cancer.

Stage 4:

The fourth stage of breast cancer is when cancer has spread from one area, like the breast, to other parts, such as the liver, lungs, bones, or brain.

The Bottom Line: 

Breast cancer stands as a serious health condition that can affect you mentally and emotionally as well. This can happen to anyone irrespective of gender but seems to be more common in women aged 50 years and above. If you feel any discomfort or any changes in your breast, please let your doctor know about it. Early detection can prevent it from spreading to other parts. Cancer is not the end of your story; you are stronger than this.

Be a warrior, not a worrier!

FAQs: 

1.What are the red flags of breast cancer?

Breast cancer can be lethal if left untreated. If you feel any changes in your breast, please work with your doctor to know the cause. The following are considered the red flags of breast cancer in women: 

• Irritated or itchy breast

• Sudden increase in breast size or shape

• Noticeable changes in breast color

2. How does your body feel when you have breast cancer? 

Breast cancer comes out as one of the most common cancers across the world. Anyone can develop it irrespective of gender, but women aged 50 and above are more susceptible to it. The number of symptoms and their intensity may vary from one person to another. In the initial stages, you may not observe any symptoms. However, the following are considered the common symptoms: breast lump, swelling, changes to the skin, etc. 

3. When should you suspect breast cancer?

Having a lump in the breast or armpit stands out as the most common symptom of this condition, called breast cancer. Sufferers usually describe it as a nodule or ball. The lump could be soft, hard, or rubbery, depending on the stage and type of breast cancer. You won’t be able to feel it until the lump is noticeable in size or you have small breasts.

4. How long can you have breast cancer without knowing?

Breast cancer may take months or years to show any evident symptoms, such as a lump. If it is a slower-growing breast cancer, you can have it for years before it is diagnosed by a healthcare provider. You might be asked to opt for mammograms that can help to find even small lumps and changes to the breast before you feel or see them.