Breast Cancer – Early Signs And Symptoms

Breast cancer was diagnosed in about 2.3 million women in 2020 worldwide, with 685,000 fatalities. Between 2015 and 2020, over 7.7 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer, making it the most prevalent cancer in the world. In such challenging times, experienced oncologists play a vital role in providing guidance and support to individuals facing the uncertainties of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

It can strike a woman at any age after puberty, with rates rising as she becomes older. It can be scary to learn that you may have breast cancer.

Dr. GarvitChitkara, an acclaimed breast cancer surgeon in Mumbai, says that it is important to note any early signs of the disease even if you are feeling overwhelmed. By doing so, you can ensure that you get the best care possible and have the best chance of beating the disease.

But how can you tell if you are at risk of getting breast cancer without a clinic visit? Read on to find out.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer starts in the tissue of your breast. Breast cancer develops when cells in your breast mutate (alter) and grow uncontrollably, resulting in a tumor (a mass of tissue). Breast cancer, like other cancers, has the ability to enter and expand into the tissue that surrounds your breast. It can also spread to other areas of your body, resulting in additional tumors.

If you are a woman, make sure you know how your breasts feel and look and examine them on a regular basis. This will assist you in identifying any changes or irregularities as they arise.

It is crucial that you get any unusual or unexplained lumps in your breast tissue checked out by a doctor. Dr. Garvit Chitkara, a highly-skilled breast oncoplastic surgeon in Mumbai, says that most lumps do not turn out to be cancerous.

How can you recognize a lump?

Breast lumps are not all the same size or shape. A cancer lump in the breast is most commonly:

• A hard and firm mass
• Painless 
• Has irregular edges 
• Immovable (does not move when pushed) or has limited mobility, this may be a little difficult for you to figure out and needs a clinician to examine to determine mobility
• Can occur in any part of the breast or axilla
• Grows bigger over time 

It may be more difficult to detect lumps or changes in your breasts if your breast tissue is thick or dense. A malignant lump can sometimes appear in other parts of your breast. It may feel rounded, tender, and soft. The lump might be painful in some circumstances.

However, the eminent breast cancer surgeon, Dr. Garvit Chitkara, says that not all cancerous lumps have the above traits. Your doctor should examine any lump, regardless of whether it exhibits any of the symptoms listed.

What are the other symptoms of breast cancer?

The following are the most common symptoms of breast cancer symptoms, in addition to a lump:

• Swelling on a part or entire breast
• Discharge from your nipple (not breast milk in case you are breastfeeding)
• Scaling or irritation in your nipple or breast
• Reddening of the skin on your nipples and breast
• The skin on your nipples and breast thickens
• The appearance of a mole, or change in an existing mole on your nipple or breast
• Your nipple is inverted or turned inward
• Pain in your nipple or breast
• Dimpling in your skin of the breast
• Tender or swollen lymph node under your armpit
• Tender or swollen lymph node around your collarbone

Noticing any of the symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have breast cancer; however, it is a good indication that you should see the doctor.

What are the risk factors?

Breast cancer is more likely to occur if you have certain risk factors. Some risk factors are unavoidable; however, others can be mitigated or even eliminated depending on your lifestyle decisions and choices.

The following are the most significant risk factors for breast cancer:

• Gender: Breast cancer is more prevalent in women than in men.
• Age: Women over 55 are more likely to develop invasive breast cancer.
• Family history: Your risk is increased if a relative of the first degree, such as your sister, mother, or daughter, has had breast cancer.
• Genetics: In very few cases, breast cancer may be caused by genes handed down from generation to generation.
• Race: According to the NCI (National Cancer Institute), Hispanic/Latina and Asian women are marginally less likely to acquire breast cancer than White and African-American women. Although it is noteworthy that breast cancer is a growing problem in India, especially amongst urban women.
• Benign lumps: Some benign (noncancerous) breast lumps or conditions can increase your chances of acquiring breast cancer later in life.
• Menstrual history: If your menstrual period started before the age of 12, it could increase your chances of developing breast cancer.
• Delayed menopause: If you have delayed menopause after you turn 55, you are exposed to more hormones, increasing your risk for breast cancer.
• Dense breast tissue: According to studies, women with thick breast tissue will more likely acquire cancer. The denseness in your tissue may further make it difficult to identify cancer.
• Hormone use: Your risk of breast cancer is likely to be greater if you have taken or are using HRT (hormone replacement treatment).
• Weight: The risk for breast cancer increases if you are overweight or obese.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Women who do not lead an active life and do not exercise regularly have a higher risk of getting breast cancer than those who exercise frequently.
• Tobacco use: Breast cancer is increased by smoking, especially if you are a younger woman who has not yet reached menopause.
• Alcohol consumption: Your risk of breast cancer may increase with each drink you consume. While some research suggests that consuming a moderate amount of alcohol is harmless, heavy alcohol use has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.

Can a man have breast cancer?

Men can get breast cancer, too, though it is uncommon. Men account for about 0.5-1 % of breast cancer cases worldwide. Breast cancer treatment for men has the same guidelines as it does for women.

When should you visit a doctor?

If you have any symptoms that could indicate breast cancer, you should see a doctor. Although most lumps are not cancerous, a doctor can assess and help rule them out. Regular screenings can help identify changes before any lump becomes visible. Mammography is advised every 2 years once you have reached the age of 50.

Dr. Garvit Chitkara, a renowned breast specialist in Mumbai, adds that people at a higher risk of breast cancer, such as those who have a family history of the disease, may require more frequent screening.

Conclusion

Although early detection is essential for detecting breast cancer in its early stages and reducing the chances of recurrence, many women have difficulty looking past the stigma of discussing their health issues. Unfortunately, this leads to many cases of early-stage breast cancer being ignored and left to progress without treatment.

The sooner you catch signs of breast cancer, the sooner your treatment options will be available and the better your results will be.

If you have noticed changes in the way your breast looks and feels, do not hesitate or delay any longer. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Garvit Chitkara at the earliest.

Dr. Garvit Chitkara is a top-notch surgeon with over 15 years of experience in breast cancer surgery in Mumbai. He is always focused on providing holistic treatment for breast cancer in a secure, reassuring, and welcoming atmosphere. In addition, he strives to give his patients the optimum aesthetic result while maintaining oncological safety.