How to Recognise the Signs of Breast Cancer: Quick Guide

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer: What not to ignore

The most common sign of breast cancer is the presence of a lump inside the breast. However, other symptoms and signs of breast cancer in women draw your attention, including:

• Modifications to the breast’s size or shape. Any noticeable change in the size or shape of the breast should be checked by a healthcare professional.

• Puckering or dimpling of the breast tissue. This can indicate changes beneath the skin that need medical evaluation.

• Nipple inversion. If the nipple starts to turn inward, it could be a sign of breast cancer.

• Swelling in your lymph nodes armpit. Swollen lymph nodes can be an early sign of breast cancer spreading.

• Redness of skin. Red or discoloured skin on the breast can be a symptom of inflammatory breast cancer.

• Bloody discharge from your nipple. Any unusual discharge, especially if it is bloody, should be investigated.

• Pain in the breast or underarm area. Persistent pain in these areas should not be ignored.

It is, however, vital to note that none of these indicators and manifestations point toward a diagnosis of cancer of the breast. However, if you do notice any of these changes, it would be very advisable to have a medical opinion from your doctor.

How to perform a breast self-exam?

Breast self-examination is a simple practice that enables one to notice the changes in breast tissue as early as possible. Breast self-examinations should always be done monthly.

Follow these methods to self-examine your breast:

1. Place your arm beneath your head while lying on your back. This position spreads the breast tissue evenly over the chest wall, making it easier to feel.

2. Use your fingers to gently feel your breast. Use the pads of your fingers to press down with light, medium, and firm pressure.

3. Examine for any irregularities, elevations, or alterations. Move in a circular pattern from the outside to the centre of the breast.

4. Repeat the process on the opposite breast. Ensure both breasts are checked thoroughly.

5. Observe your breast changes by looking at the mirror. Look for any visible changes in size, shape, or skin texture.

6. Lift your arms above your head and look for any differences. This can help reveal changes that might not be noticeable otherwise.

Stages of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is classified into stages from 0 to IV, based on the size of the tumour, lymph node involvement, and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

• Stage 0: Known as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), this stage is non-invasive, meaning the cancer cells are confined to the ducts of the breast and have not spread to surrounding tissue.

• Stage I: Early-stage invasive breast cancer where the tumour is small and has only begun to invade nearby breast tissue.

• Stage II: The cancer is larger and/or has spread to a few nearby lymph nodes.

• Stage III: Locally advanced cancer that is larger and has spread to several lymph nodes or nearby tissues.

• Stage IV: Metastatic breast cancer where the cancer has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body.

Types of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer can be categorized into several types based on where it begins and its characteristics:

• Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): A non-invasive cancer where abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct but have not spread outside the duct.

  • Characteristics: Considered the earliest form of breast cancer, highly treatable.

• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): The most common type of breast cancer, starting in the milk ducts and then invading nearby tissue.

  • Characteristics: Can spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system and bloodstream.

• Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A type of breast cancer that does not have receptors for estrogen, progesterone, or HER2.

  • Characteristics: More aggressive and difficult to treat, often requiring chemotherapy.

• HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Cancer cells that have higher levels of the HER2 protein, which promotes the growth of cancer cells.

  • Characteristics: Tends to grow and spread faster but can be treated with targeted therapies.

Genetic Testing and Counseling

Genetic testing plays a crucial role in assessing the risk of breast cancer, especially for individuals with a family history of the disease. Testing for mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 can provide valuable information.

• BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genes: Mutations in these genes significantly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

  • Testing: Involves a blood or saliva sample to check for genetic mutations.

  • Counselling: Genetic counsellors help interpret test results and guide patients on preventive measures, such as increased surveillance, lifestyle changes, or preventive surgeries.

The Importance of Regular Screenings and Mammograms

Regular screenings and mammograms are vital for early detection of breast cancer, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

• Mammograms: X-ray images of the breast that can detect tumours that are too small to be felt.

  • Benefits: Can detect breast cancer early, often before symptoms develop.

  • Frequency: Recommended annually for women aged 40 and older, or earlier for those at high risk.

• Clinical Breast Exams: Performed by healthcare professionals to check for lumps or other changes.

  • Benefits: Complements mammograms and helps detect abnormalities.

• Other Imaging Tools: Ultrasound and MRI can be used for further evaluation of suspicious areas found on mammograms or in women with dense breast tissue.

Lifestyle Changes to Lower Breast Cancer Risk

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Here are some actionable modifications supported by research:

• Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce cancer risk.

• Exercise: Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of breast cancer.

• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial, especially after menopause, as obesity increases the risk of breast cancer.

• Limiting Alcohol: Alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.

• Not Smoking: Smoking is linked to many types of cancer, including breast cancer.

By incorporating these lifestyle changes, individuals can take proactive steps to lower their risk of breast cancer and improve their overall health.

What are the treatment options for breast cancer?

Treatment for breast cancer depends upon the staging of the cancer and the general condition of the patient. Here are the detailed descriptions of the treatment options:

Surgical Intervention

Surgical intervention is often the first line of treatment for breast cancer. The goal is to remove the tumour and some surrounding tissue to ensure all cancerous cells are eliminated. There are several types of surgical procedures:

• Lumpectomy: This procedure involves removing the tumour and a small margin of surrounding tissue. It is often referred to as breast-conserving surgery because most of the breast remains intact.

  • Benefits: Preserves most of the breast, shorter recovery time.

  • Side Effects: Pain, swelling, tenderness, and changes in the shape of the breast.

  • Outcomes: Effective for early-stage cancers, often followed by radiation therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence.

• Mastectomy: This involves removing the entire breast. There are different types of mastectomies, such as total mastectomy (removal of the whole breast) and modified radical mastectomy (removal of the breast along with some lymph nodes).

  • Benefits: Reduces the risk of cancer recurrence, especially in high-risk patients.

  • Side Effects: Pain, swelling, risk of infection, and emotional impact due to loss of the breast.

  • Outcomes: Effective for larger or more advanced cancers, may be followed by reconstruction surgery.

• Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: This procedure involves removing lymph nodes from the armpit area to check for the spread of cancer.

  • Benefits: Helps determine the stage of cancer and plan further treatment.

  • Side Effects: Risk of lymphedema (swelling due to lymph fluid), pain, and limited arm movement.

  • Outcomes: Provides important staging information, and can guide additional treatments.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to target and destroy cancerous cells. It is often used after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.

• Benefits: Reduces the risk of cancer recurrence, and can be targeted to specific areas.

• Side Effects: Skin irritation, fatigue, swelling, and changes in breast texture.

• Outcomes: Highly effective in reducing recurrence rates, especially after breast-conserving surgery.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to destroy cancerous cells. It can be administered before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to shrink tumours or after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to kill any remaining cancer cells.

• Benefits: Can shrink tumours before surgery, reduce the risk of recurrence, and treat cancer that has spread.

• Side Effects: Nausea, hair loss, fatigue, increased risk of infection, and other systemic effects.

• Outcomes: Effective for various stages of breast cancer, improves survival rates, but requires careful management of side effects.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy is used to stop hormones like estrogen from binding with breast cancer cells. It is effective for hormone receptor-positive cancers.

• Benefits: Reduces the risk of cancer recurrence, and can be used long-term.

• Side Effects: Hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, and risk of blood clots.

• Outcomes: Effective in reducing recurrence for hormone receptor-positive cancers, often used for several years after initial treatment.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy involves the use of drugs that specifically target molecules involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells. These therapies can be more effective and less harmful to normal cells.

• Benefits: Targets specific cancer cells, fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy.

• Side Effects: Diarrhea, liver problems, skin rashes, and fatigue.

• Outcomes: Effective for cancers with specific genetic markers, such as HER2-positive breast cancer, improves survival rates and quality of life.

This blog tries to outline, at least briefly, the methods of identifying some symptoms and signs of breast cancer. It shall also explore the importance of early detection and diagnosis alongside discussing the treatment options available.

Conclusion

Remember that early detection is your best defence against breast cancer. If you observe changes in your breasts or any signs of breast cancer, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Early detection of breast cancer can increase the chances of successful treatment and recovery.

At Manipal Hospitals Delhi, the best cancer treatment hospital in Delhi, we are committed to providing a comprehensive range of breast care services. Our team, consisting of experienced oncologists and surgeons, is committed to providing the most advanced treatments and support for patients suffering from breast cancer.

Visit us for breast cancer treatment in Delhi and start your road to healthy living.

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