Detecting the disease early significantly increases the chances of a speedy recovery! You should be especially careful with breast cancer, given its huge prevalence and the fact that it often begins asymptomatically. But the sooner you start treatment, the greater the chances of defeating this dangerous disease. Our article is devoted to how to recognize the early signs of breast cancer. Knowing these symptoms, you will always be able to detect them in time if necessary. And with early disease detection, the chances of recovery are high.
This is a type of cancer that develops in the cells of the mammary gland. Breast cancer accounts for about 30% of all new cancer cases in women each year. Its high prevalence among the population is alarming. It is the most common type of cancer in American women. In the first place is skin cancer. Fortunately, doctors are improving the methods of treating this disease. So, this disease manifests as a seal in the tissue of the mammary gland. It can also cause changes in the appearance and sensations in the mammary gland. But sometimes, at first, cancer is completely asymptomatic.
So read on to learn about the risk factors and when you should pay special attention to your health. Women (especially mature ones) are more likely to suffer from this disease. But sometimes it is diagnosed in men, too.
In order to determine that something has happened to your breasts, you should know their normal structure and usual sensitivity. Then, by regularly checking your breasts for lumps or changes in sensitivity, you will be able to understand that they have changed. Of course, a home examination does not at all exclude a visit to the doctor! Do a mammogram regularly. However, do not forget to monitor your health yourself.
So, the most common symptom of breast cancer is the appearance of a new lump or bump. However, you should not panic if you notice such a lump, as most of them are benign. But this is a clear reason to visit a doctor immediately. A hard, absolutely painless lump with uneven edges is most likely cancer. But it is possible that a malignant lump can have a different appearance: soft, round, sensitive, or even painful.
Additional signs may include pain in the breast or nipple, swelling of all or part of the breast, or a slight indentation of the skin that resembles the peel of an orange. Also of concern is a folded or sunken nipple. You should pay attention to dryness, redness, peeling, or thickening of the skin of the nipple or breast. Nipple discharge if you are not breastfeeding is a suspicious symptom. Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone may also be a symptom.
This type of cancer is the second most common cancer in women in the United States. You should be extremely careful if women in your family have already been diagnosed with cancer. Find out about the health of a first- or second-degree relative: mother, grandmother, sister, or aunt.
If they had breast cancer, you most likely have a genetic predisposition to the disease. You could have inherited mutations in the genes BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, TP53, and others. The most common of them are BRCA1 and BRCA2, which increase the risk of developing cancer during life by up to 80%. The numbers are impressive. The risk of ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancer also increases.
External Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Men
Breast cancer is more common in women. However, men should also be careful, because this disease can affect anyone, regardless of gender and age. So it is very important to detect it as early as possible. Then the chances of successful treatment are high. So, visually, cancerous tumors in the mammary gland can manifest themselves with the following signs:
We also want to point out that not all breast changes should scare you. Breasts can change throughout life, and this is completely normal. Breasts change during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. You may even notice new lumps or other distinctive signs during these periods of life. When taking birth control or undergoing hormonal therapy, you may notice that breast tissue has become denser.
Of course, all this makes it difficult to diagnose cancer. That is why it is important to visit a specialist who knows your history, can detect the disease quickly, and begin treatment.
Breast cancer occurs primarily in middle-aged and older women. The median age at diagnosis is 62 years. That is, half of the women who develop breast cancer are 62 years of age or younger at the time of diagnosis. Very few women diagnosed with breast cancer are under 45 years of age. But that does not mean that you can skip screening before age 45. Since women of all ages are susceptible to this disease, it is extremely dangerous if not diagnosed and treated in time. But even if the disease has struck you, do not despair. Qualified medical care can bring relief. The main thing is to pay close attention to your health.
Risk factors for breast cancer in men:
Since this disease is less common in men, men may not notice suspicious signs for long. So public awareness of the disease is simply necessary.
In the early stages, breast cancer is often asymptomatic. And this is its great danger. A person often comes when the disease is already in full swing. Sometimes the disease is detected by chance during preventive examinations, such as ultrasound, mammography, or MRI. The only sign may be a neoplasm. However, how can one feel a tumor of 1 cm? It is quite difficult. Therefore, in no case should one neglect timely examinations.
Our specialists are always ready to help you. Come to the appointment and get high-quality diagnostics. And if necessary, effective breast cancer treatment. Do not postpone taking care of your health!