breast cancer causes and symptoms

overview

Breast cancer is still one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide but can also occur in men. Understanding breast cancer’s causes, symptoms, and how awareness plays a role in present detection and success in treatment is important.

Causes of Breast Cancer

Though the exact reason for breast cancer’s occurrence is not well understood several risk factors have been identified:

• Genetic Factors: Some genetic mutations such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 even further increase the risk of breast cancer. People with a family history of breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer may want to consider genetic counseling.

• Hormonal Factors: Extended periods of estrogen exposure such as starting your menses at an early age or starting menopause late in life can further influence the risk. Taking hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) during menopause may also influence risk.

• Lifestyle Factors: Habits such as drinking alcohol, being significantly overweight, and having little to no physical activity can further add to breast cancer risk. Eating well, and exercising can help reduce overall risk.

• Age: The older you are, and especially after the age of 55 the more likely you are to be diagnosed with breast cancer.

• Radiation Exposure: If you received radiation for another health condition, especially as a child, in the chest area, you may be more likely to develop breast cancer later in life

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer, although commonly thought as a disease primarily affecting women, can also affect men. Awareness of the common symptoms of breast cancer can result in earlier detection and treatment of this disease which plays a big part in treatment response. Here is a closer look at the common breast cancer staged after an onset.

Common Symptoms,
1. Lumps or masses

The most well-known symptom of breast cancer is a lump or mass in either breast or underarm area. These lumps will often be felt as “different” in comparison to the surrounding tissue, and these lumps can be usually painless. Not all lumps are cancerous, however, all new or unusual lumps should be evaluated by a medical professional.

2. Changes in breast shape or size.

Noticeable breast shape or size changes of one breast to the other. If one breast suddenly looks much larger or smaller, it is important to seek medical advice. Swelling of an area around the breast is also a concern.

3. Skin Changes.

Changes in the skin over the breast can be seen as redness, puckering, dimpling, and change in appearance. (Look like the skin of an orange.) The change can be separate or completely over the entire breast.

4. Changes in the nipple.

Changes of the nipple as in inversion (turn inwards), discharge, especially blood or clear fluid, and rash, can be very important. All unexpected should be looked into further.

5. Pain or Discomfort

Many women most likely associate breast discomfort with hormonal changes, but if the pain persists or the pain is new in the breast or nipple area, it should be evaluated. Breast cancer can occur without pain, and therefore you should take notice of new pain.

6. Swelling or Lumps in Underarm Area

Swelling or lumps in the underarm can indicate that the breast cancer has spread to the axillary lymph nodes, even if you don’t find a lump in the breast.

When it’s time to talk to your doctor

If you notice any of the symptoms noted above, you will want to see your doctor as soon as possible. Routine follow-ups, social safety examinations, and know your own body can lead you to early detection of breast cancer, even before symptoms appear.

Summary

Knowing symptoms of breast cancer is important for early detection and effective care. These symptoms themselves don’t necessarily help diagnosis the problem; they should help determining a doctor’s visit as a way to rule out bad problems causing the symptoms. Primary care doctor appointment, knowing your own body, and acting quickly will be valuable in combating breast cancer.