Breast Cancer Symptoms in Women: How to Detect Them Early

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women worldwide. It causes abnormal growth of breast cells, resulting in a tumour. This type of cancer usually causes cells to grow inside the milk-producing ducts of the breast. At the same time, it becomes more challenging as 80% of it is invasive, which means tumours may spread to other body parts. The best part is that it is curable if detected early. Therefore, identifying the symptoms is crucial.

The early symptoms of breast cancer in women include the formation of a lump in the breast, discharge from nipples, redness or swelling of the breast, and pain near the breast. Continue reading to know more about the symptoms and early detection of breast cancer.

Common Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Women

Breast Cancer is usually non-invasive in the early stage. However, if it is left undetected, it is fatal. Therefore, you need to be aware of any changes in your body to know the early symptoms that might be caused by breast cancer.

Some common symptoms of Breast Cancer in women are as follows:

Changes in Breast Shape or Size

If you notice alterations or changes in the shape and size of your breast, it can be one of the common causes of breast cancer. This happens because of flattening, shrinking, or swelling of the breasts.

Presence of a Lump or Mass

One of the most common symptoms of breast cancer is a lump or mass in the breast. You should do a self-examination to find out if you have any unusual lumps or formation of a mass in your breasts.

Not all bumps or masses are cancerous; sometimes, they can be cysts or uneven outgrowths due to hormonal changes.

Nipple Changes

Some nipple changes can include nipple discharge turning inward or becoming inverted and any changes in the appearance of your nipples.

If you are noticing changes like redness of the nipple or experiencing sore breasts, it can be early signs of breast cancer in women. However, these changes are not always linked to the growth of cancerous cells, but they should not be ignored if they are persistent.

Pain and tenderness

If you are experiencing pain and tenderness in your breasts, it could be an early stage of developing cancerous cells. However, women feel pain in their breasts during the menstrual cycle, but if you feel unusual pain at a particular spot, you must not ignore this. You should consult your doctor if you are experiencing unusual and persistent pain in your breasts that differs from benign pain.

How to Detect Breast Cancer Early?

Early detection of breast cancer helps to provide better breast cancer treatment options. If you are diagnosed with the first stage of breast cancer, proper chemotherapy sessions and other treatments, as suggested by doctors, can help cure cancer.

Here’s how you can detect the early signs or stages of developing breast cancer:

Regular Self-Exams

The most effective way to detect breast cancer early is self-examination. You may examine your breasts at least once a month, especially after your menstrual cycle, because during the cycle, the breasts become swollen and sore.

To perform the self-examination, stand in front of a mirror and use your hands to inspect the shape, size, or symmetry of your breasts. By performing this self-examination exercise regularly, you can detect the early abnormalities that might occur.

Clinical Breasts Exam

You should visit a doctor for a physical and visual examination of your breasts to avoid any possibility of a severe ailment. Usually, this can be a part of your annual physical check-up. Still, if you notice the symptoms mentioned earlier while self-examining, you should go to the doctor immediately.

Mammograms and Other Imaging Tests

Mammograms are an effective way to detect breast cancer, even before you experience physical symptoms. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breasts that detects any development of tumours in your body. Women should make themselves aware of the mammogram guidelines and visit for annual mammogram tests after the age of 40, as they are more prone to developing cancerous cells. Other imaging tests like ultrasound and MRI are used to examine the breast tissue in detail and help to differentiate between a cancerous growth and a normal cyst.

When to See a Doctor

If you are experiencing abnormal discharge from your nipples, pea-sized bumps in your breasts, and persistent pain and tenderness, it might be a symptom of the growth of cancerous cells. Initially, this growth is non-invasive, but if ignored, it can spread to other organs. You should immediately see a doctor if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms.

Warning Signs

If you are experiencing unusual growth or lumps in your breast that are not cysts or benign outgrowth, sore breasts with persistent pain, noticing shrinking or asymmetrical shape of breasts, and experiencing regular discharge, all these signs are breast cancer risk factors.

Diagnostic Tests and Procedures

If your doctor notices unusual functioning of the breasts, they will perform a series of diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of cancerous cells in your breasts. Some standard diagnosis tests are mammograms, ultrasounds, and biopsies. Depending on the reports of the test, doctors start the cancer treatment procedure that usually involves further biopsy to examine the tissues of the breasts, which is followed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Prevention and Risk Reduction

To prevent the risk of breast cancer, you should follow the breast health tips, as suggested by your doctor, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Self-examination and regular visit to your doctor for examination reduces the risk of developing breast cancer. Still, you are required to take specific measures to avoid the risk of getting cancer.

Lifestyle Changes

It is always advisable to maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Maintaining a balanced diet along with physical exercises minimises the risk. You should limit your alcohol consumption and maintain a healthy weight.

While these are not directly associated with the risk of developing breast cancer, they can significantly help.

Genetic Testing and Risk Assessment

For women with a family history of breast cancer, genetic testing may be used to assess their risk. The testing could detect mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 that raise the risk of breast cancer. It is recommended to talk with your doctor about genetic testing, especially if you have a strong family history or other risk factors, to learn more about how this could help in preventing breast cancer.

Conclusion

Breast Cancer accounts for the highest number of deaths in females. At BLK-Max, the team of experienced breast cancer doctors and oncologist experts offers extensive treatment for breast cancer patients. Schedule your consultation today at BLK-Max and take a step towards a healthy and happy life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the early symptoms of breast cancer in women?

The early symptoms of breast cancer in women include a lump in the breasts, irregular discharge from the nipples, asymmetrical or shrunk breasts, and acute pain and tenderness in the breast.

2. How often should I perform a self-exam for breast cancer?

It is advised that you should perform a self-examination test once a month, after your menstrual cycle, to detect early symptoms of breast cancer.

3. What is the role of mammograms in detecting breast cancer?

Mammograms are X-rays used to detect any tumour growth in the breasts. They effectively detect even the smallest size of tumour that can not be detected manually.

4. When should I see a doctor for the breast cancer symptoms?

You should visit a doctor if the symptoms of breast cancer worsen or are constant. Early detection of breast cancer is helpful for an effective treatment.

5. Can lifestyle changes help prevent breast cancer?

Yes, lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy diet and weight, along with regular exercise, lower the risk of breast cancer.

6. What type of doctor would diagnose breast cancer?

Radiologists perform mammogram tests that help in diagnosing breast cancer, and Oncologists help in the treatment of breast cancer.