Breast cancer symptoms are not always easy to identify at first, but regular self-examination can show early signs.
As everyone knows, October is the month of the national breast cancer awareness and prevention campaign, called Pink October. This campaign raises awareness for women about the importance of early diagnosis of breast cancer. Therefore, the sooner the symptoms of breast cancer are identified, the faster the diagnosis and treatment can begin.
For those who don’t know, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women, after skin cancer. This is on a global level. In Brazil, the disease is one of the main causes of death among women. Therefore, it is very important to raise awareness among women about self-examination and regular screening mammograms. After all, it is through these tests that the first symptoms of breast cancer are identified.
When the diagnosis of breast cancer is confirmed in the early stages of the disease, women’s chances of cure and survival are greater, reaching up to 90%. Therefore, due to the month and the cause, today we will better understand this disease, and the symptoms of breast cancer.
breast cancer
As previously stated, breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer among women. However, it can also affect men, despite being much rarer, accounting for only 1% of all cases of the disease. The appearance of breast cancer before the age of 35 is somewhat rare, and from this age onwards a higher incidence of the disease appears, which is even more common after the age of 50.
However, most cases of breast cancer have a good prognosis, which directly depends on the stage of the disease and the type. The sooner the disease is discovered, the greater the chances of a cure. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of the symptoms of breast cancer.
In any case, the recommendation is that women know their body well and be aware of any changes. When you find any change, no matter how small, it is a sign to see a doctor.
First symptoms of breast cancer
From a certain age onwards, around 30 years old, every woman should be aware of possible signs, such as changes in the breast, especially the appearance of a small, painless lump. This is not the only symptom, as there are several others.
However, due to the complexity of the disease and the various types of breast cancer, the symptoms may not be the same in all women and may vary between the main ones. Therefore, it is essential that women carry out self-examination regularly and, from the age of 40, undergo a mammogram exam annually.
In the case of women who are still menstruating, the best time to analyze your own breasts for changes is in the days following menstruation. This is because at this stage the breasts are less swollen, making it easier to identify any changes, such as a lump, for example. For women who are past menopause, this self-examination can and should be done at any time of the month.
So, as previously stated, the main sign that may indicate breast cancer is precisely the nodule or mass in the breast. It is present in around 90% of all cases of the disease. Generally, it is a small, solid, painless lump with irregular edges, which may be a malignant tumor.
However, some cancers can be sensitive to touch, being soft and even painful. Therefore, given the various possibilities, any lump or change in the breast should be examined by a doctor for a more accurate diagnosis.
Main symptoms of breast cancer
In addition to the nodule, other signs can characterize breast cancer. In general, the symptoms of breast cancer can be very diverse, depending on the characteristics of the tumor, such as size, type and stage.
However, in most cases, the symptoms are not so easily noticeable even in the initial phase of the disease. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of any change, no matter how small, it could be a potential symptom of breast cancer. The main ones are:
- Pain in the breast or nipple;
- Redness of the skin of the breast;
- Swelling in the breast, or at least in part of it;
- Bloody or serous discharge from the nipples;
- Nipple inversion;
- Irritation in a part of the breast;
- Thickening or retraction of the nipple;
- Changes in the nipple;
- Lumps in the armpits or neck;
Regardless of whether you have identified only or or several of these symptoms, they should be investigated. After all, they may be related to breast cancer, whether benign or malignant.
Risk factors
Breast cancer can develop in anyone, regardless of gender, although it is more common in women. But it presents a higher risk in people over 50 years of age and those who have a family history of breast cancer. In addition to age and genetics, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle can also increase the risk of the disease, as well as other factors such as:
- Hormone replacement;
- Early menstruation;
- Late menopause;
- High cholesterol;
- Absence of pregnancy;
- Cysts or calcifications in the breast previously, even if benign;
- Another tumor in the breast previously.
Diagnosis and treatment
So knowing this, it is important to emphasize that the onset of the disease is most of the time silent, and as the cure is directly linked to early diagnosis, self-examination is essential. However, in most cases, almost 90% of them, the disease is only identified when the nodule is present. And for it to be felt by touch, the lump must already be of a considerable size. In other words, he is already past the initial stages of the disease.
In the case of smaller nodules, they are only detected through imaging tests, such as mammography. The exam can show suspicious changes before the tumor develops to the point of being palpable. From this point on, the confirmation or not of cancer is only done through a histopathological examination, which is one that analyzes a small part of the nodule through a biopsy.
Therefore, in addition to carrying out regular self-examination, it is very important to maintain the frequency of medical examinations, even more so in cases of higher risk. This way it is possible to diagnose the disease in its early stages and increase the chances of a cure.
Treatment
Given the diagnosis of breast cancer, treatment should be started as soon as possible. Therefore, the type of treatment varies depending on the stage of the disease and its characteristics, as well as the patient’s condition. If the disease was diagnosed early, treatment has a better chance of curing it. When the cancer has entered the metastasis phase, that is, it has already spread to other organs, the aim of treatment is to prolong the patient’s life and improve quality of life.
There are two types of cancer treatment: local, which includes surgery and radiotherapy, and systemic, which involves chemotherapy, hormone therapy and biological therapy.
Prevention
Given the severity and complexity of the disease, much is said about preventing breast cancer. However, this is not entirely possible due to the multiplicity of risk factors, mainly because many of them are not modifiable, that is, inevitable.
However, what can be done to prevent breast cancer is to control risk factors and increase protective stimuli, especially those that can be modified. Studies show that a healthy diet, nutrition and physical activity can reduce the risk of developing the disease by up to 28%.
Basic prevention recommendations include regular physical exercise, body control to avoid obesity, as well as avoiding the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Anyway, what did you think of this article? In fact, take the opportunity to also check out Blue November – Origin and meaning of the campaign for men’s health.
Sources: Instituto Oncoguia Tua Saúde Blog Amor Saúde Einstein
Images: Women’s Health Veja Boa Forma Viva Bem Tempo Women’s Health Tribuna de Parnaíba
