Are you noticing remarkable changes in your breasts and wondering if they could be indicative of breast cancer? As long as these changes are typical, it’s normal. Sometimes these changes can conceal the presence of malignancies in the breast, such as breast cancer.
A right understanding of signs and symptoms is crucial to distinguishing between normal changes and breast malignancies. Changes in the size and shape of the breast are habitual as she gets older, but breast lumps, dimpling, redness, pitting, and bloody fluid from the nipple are clear indications of breast cancer that require urgency to seek early screening.
Breast cancer is curable if it is detected at an early stage. Initial screening at a time may help in diagnosing and cutting down on the further proliferation of breast tumors. Before we discuss the early signs and symptoms of breast cancer, let’s discuss the underlying causes responsible for the formation of tumors in the breast.
What causes lumps and tumors in the breast?
It’s undeniable that breast cancer poses a significant threat, but the burning question is: what causes tumors to form in the breast?
There are various underlying physiological, genetic, and environmental factors responsible for the formation of malignancies. Age, mutation, hormonal changes, sedentary lifestyle, and exposure to radiation are the most common of them.
Genetic mutation
The primary reason responsible for the formation of cancer cells in the breast is a genetic mutation. This risk is accelerated further when a family has a history of breast cancer. BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are inherited from parents to offspring if a mutation occurs in them that can increase the risk of breast cancer.
Age
The majority of breast cancer cases occur in women over the age of 50.
Hormonal changes
Prolonged fluctuations in the levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones may lead to the development of breast tumors.
Sedentary lifestyle
An unhealthy diet enriched with saturated fats can make you obese. Obesity increases the risk of breast cancer. Alcohol consumption is another factor linked to it.
Radiation exposure
Certain environmental factors, prolonged radiation exposure, and chemicals may also contribute to the formation of malignancies in the breast.
Recognize the early signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
The woman’s body undergoes significant but habitual changes. What differentiates breast cancer from normal or habitual changes? This is possible by understanding its signs and symptoms.
Breast lump
The presence of a lump or mass in the breast or underarm area is the most common cause of breast cancer.
Persistent swelling or discharge in the breast
Swelling or discharge of bleeding or fluid in one or both breasts is also a clue pointing toward breast malignancies.
Change in breast appearance
The size or shape of one breast or both breasts may change. Swelling, distortion, or asymmetry in the breasts may also be an indicator of breast cancer.
Changes in breast skin
The skin color of the breast may change. Redness and dimpling are some common changes in it.
Nipple abnormalities
Certain abnormalities may show near the nipples or their surroundings, like nipple retraction and inversion.
Final verdicts
In short, breast cancer can be fatal at a late stage; however, if detected early, it is often curable. Changes in breast size and shape are normal with aging, but the presence of a lump near the armpit, fluid or blood discharge from nipples, swelling, and distortion are clear symptoms indicating the possibility of breast cancer, compelling the need for urgent breast cancer screening. If you notice any signs or symptoms that could be indicative of breast cancer, then consult with your healthcare professionals for proper intervention and breast cancer screening.
