OVERVIEW:
Breast cancer is a chronic disease which involves the unstoppable growth of cancerous cells in the tissues of the breast. Breast cancer is believed to be the second largest cause of death among women worldwide.
This number is quite large and needs some attention at early stages only so as to save a life.
Doctors have yet not been able to specifically understand the cause of the breast cancer but it is known that breast cancer is caused by damage caused by DNA of the cells.
In this article, we are going to discuss some of the early and later warning signs and symptoms, risk factors and the treatment options associated with breast cancer.
SYMPTOMS AND WARNING SIGNS:
Sometimes women experience a sharp pain in the breast which can for sure be scary. It will scare you and make you wonder that something is going wrong with your breasts. But the breast lumps are the first and foremost sign that makes you pay a visit to your doctor.
Although at very early stages, breast cancer doesn’t show any signs, it is believed that early detection helps a lot in curing the disease.
EARLY SIGNS:
1. CHANGES IN THE SHAPE OF THE NIPPLE
Your body is subjected to various changes as you grow old but the changes in the shape of nipple should not be ignored. In case you notice a change in the shape of the nipple, sliding sideways then it is a topic of concern.
2. BREAST PAIN DOESN’T GO AWAY AFTER YOUR NEXT PERIOD
Women often feel period cramps and pain in other parts of the body, breasts as well. In case, you notice that breast pain is consistent and doesn’t go away even after your period has passed then we recommend you to consult your doctor.
3. A NEW LUMP THAT DOESN’T GO AWAY AFTER YOUR NEXT PERIOD
As discussed before, the lump is the primary sign of breast cancer and in case you notice a lump that is persistent even after your next period also then it is a warning sign for sure.
4. NIPPLE DISCHARGE FROM ONE BREAST
Breast cancer patients often experience a nipple discharge that is clear, red, brown, or yellow in color.
5. UNEXPLAINED REDNESS
In case you notice some sort of swelling in the breast without any specific reason then it is an early sign that needs to be diagnosed. In addition to it you may also experience skin irritation, itchiness, or rash on the breast.
LATER SIGNS:
1. INWARD TURNING OF THE NIPPLE
The reason behind the inward turning of the nipple is basically the tissues inside the breast. Breast cancer causes breast tissue to attach to the nipple with extra tightness and strength.
This condition is also known as a retraction.
2. ENLARGEMENT OF ONE BREAST
Inflammatory breast cancer causes an enlargement of one breast. The change may not be visible at early stages but in the advanced stages, you may not the difference in the size of both the breasts. Patients often experience a sensation of heaviness in one breast.
3. AN “ORANGE PEEL” TEXTURE TO THE SKIN
Cancer can causes changes in the skin of the breast. If you notice a change of skin to an orange peel texture then it is an alarming sign of breast cancer which needs proper diagnoses and attention.
4. ENLARGED LYMPH NODES IN THE ARMPIT
Swollen lymph nodes are also experienced by breast cancer patients. It is usually present under the arm or near the collarbone.
5. AN EXISTING LUMP THAT GETS BIGGER
If there is already an existing lump near your armpit or collarbone then the malignant growth of cancerous cells can cause that existing lump to get bigger in size.
RISK FACTORS FOR BREAST CANCER:
1. Age: Most of the cases of breast cancer are diagnosed after the age of 45-50.
2. Early Menstruation
3. Menopause after the age of 35
4. Dense or Overly Heavy Breast
5. Hormonal Therapies or Radiation Therapies
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR BREAST CANCER:
The treatment of breast cancer depends upon the stage of cancer inpatient. Generally, there are four treatment options available:
1. Chemotherapy
2. Radiation Therapy
3. Hormone Therapy
4. Surgery
You must consult a doctor and follow treatment options depending on his advice.
