Early symptoms of breast cancer
When it comes to breast cancer the key to successful recovery is early diagnosis and treatment. The question is: how can you spot cancer early enough?
WHAT ARE THE EARLY SIGNS OF BREAST CANCER
When breast cancer is at its early stage, there may be no symptoms whatsoever. This is why looking for breast cancer warning signs is not to be relied upon as the only safety measure. The best way to stay safe is by regular check-ups. Find out how new technologies and artificial intelligence may help detect breast cancer [here].
Sometimes, the most popular screening methods fail to detect cancer. This happens most often in women who have dense breast tissue. Read more about this problem [here] and [here].
It seems that a few breast cancer cases that mammography will not detect, can be found during clinical breast exams. At the same time guidelines published by the American Cancer Society state no clear benefit of doing so in American women. Apparently, when a change (such as a lump) is big enough to be found during self-breast exam (BSE), it is also big enough to be discovered during usual activities, such as dressing or bathing. However, guidelines for the population of Poland still recommend a monthly BSE starting at the age of 18 and there is some research to support it. Therefore it is still useful to learn about the clinical manifestation of the disease and attend regular clinical breast exams (CBEs).
Some of the alarming signs of breast cancer that you should be aware of are described below.
SYMPTOMS OF BREAST CANCER IN WOMEN
The first noticeable breast cancer symptom in women is usually a painless lump or a thickening found in the breast or armpit. Sometimes there is no lump, but the breast may get swollen or tender and even change its size. Other symptoms may occur as well. You may notice an unusual discharge of fluid from your nipple or the nipple may get inverted (pulled inward). There might be some changes to the skin over the breast (e.g. dimpling – known as peau d’orange or “orange peel”; the skin may get red, dry, flaking, or thickened). Sometimes cancer spreads to lymph nodes and manifests there first as a lump or swelling under the arm or around the collarbone.
Read the next post to find out what causes breast cancer?
Have you spotted some signs of breast cancer? Act fast!
If you notice this or other concerning signs, seek doctor’s advice immediately. It may not necessarily mean that you have cancer, but if you do, at this stage every day that goes without treatment makes chances for a complete recovery smaller. This is the reason why early diagnosis and education about breast cancer is so important.
SYMPTOMS OF BREAST CANCER IN MEN
Male breast cancer symptoms are often overlooked, as the disease is thought to affect only women. This is actually not true. The breast tissue is also present in men to some degree (similar to prepubescent girls) so they can develop the disease. Breast cancer in men is relatively rare (70 – 100 times less frequent than in women) and is found mostly in older men. The symptoms one can experience are similar to those in women, as described above.
Breast cancer screening is not performed routinely in men. It is only recommended in case of genetic mutations increasing the risk of breast cancer, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.
Read our next post to find out what are the most popular and reliable breast cancer screening methods.
References:
1. American Cancer Society. Breast Density and Your Mammogram Report. [cited 10.09.2020]
Available from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/mammograms/breast-density-and-your-mammogram-report.html
2. McDonald S, Saslow D, Alciati MH. Performance and reporting of clinical breast examination: A review of the literature. CA Cancer J Clin 2004;54:345-61.
3. American Cancer Society. American Cancer Society Recommendations for the Early Detection of Breast Cancer. [cited 10.09.2020]
- WebMD. Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms. [cited 10.09.2020]
Available from: https://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/understanding-breast-cancer-symptoms
5. Jassem J, Krzakowski M, Bobek-Billewicz B et al. Breast cancer. Oncol Clin Pract 2018; 14. DOI: 10.5603/OCP.2018.0027
- Mayo Clinic. Breast Cancer. [cited 10.09.2020]
Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352470
- American Cancer Society. Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms. [cited 10.09.2020]
Available from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/about/breast-cancer-signs-and-symptoms.html
8. American Cancer Society. Key Statistics for Breast Cancer in Men. [cited 10.09.2020]
Available from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer-in-men/about/key-statistics.html
9. Cancer.net. Breast Cancer in Men: Screening. [cited 10.09.2020]
Available from: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/breast-cancer-men/screening
