What Breast Cancer Symptoms: How to Prevent Breast Cancer

Breast cancer develops when breast cells mutate, becoming abnormal and multiplying uncontrollably to form tumors. These tumors can invade nearby tissues and, in some cases, spread to other parts of the body.

While it majorly affects women over 50, it can also occur in younger women and men. Many early signs of breast cancer are indirect and in some cases absent, but some of the common breast cancer symptoms include lumps in the breast, pain near the armpit and in breast breast or armpit, and changes in the nipple.

This blog highlights breast cancer treatment, symptoms, prevention, and treatment options to help you stay informed and proactive about breast cancer.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer. When cells grow uncontrollably and form a tumor in the breast tissue the cancer starts. The milk-producing glands (lobules) or the ducts that carry milk to the nipple are major parts where breast cancer can start growing.

Most cases are invasive which means the cancer can spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, or other parts of the body and some remain confined to the breast, known as "in situ."

Although breast cancer majorly affects women over 50, it can also occur in younger women, men, and individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB).

What causes Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer occurs when breast cells undergo genetic mutations, grow uncontrollably, and form tumors. While the exact triggers of these mutations are yet to be understood, several factors increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

Genetic and Biological Factors:

• Genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 can cause up to 15% of breast cancers.
• Hormonal influences, like prolonged estrogen exposure, can contribute to abnormal cell growth.
• Invasive ductal or lobular carcinoma can happen due to changes in DNA within milk ducts or glands.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors:

• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle
• Prior radiation exposure in the chest area
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Other Risk Factors:

• Being over 55 years old
• A family history of breast cancer
• Biological sex, as women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) are at higher risk

The major cause of breast cancer almost everyone ignores is the complex interaction between genetic predispositions and environmental factors. 

Understanding and addressing these risk factors through regular screenings and lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer symptoms may not always be obvious, but certain changes in the breast tissue can indicate a potential issue. It is important to be aware of these signs and consult a healthcare professional if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• A lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm that lasts through your menstrual cycle.
• A visible size, shape, or contour changes in the breast.
• Redness or a scaly texture in the breast or nipple skin.
• Clear, bloody, or unexpected nipple discharge.
• Pain in any area of the breast. Pain is not always a symptom.
• A hard, marble-like area under the skin that can feel different from the rest of the breast tissue.
• Inward turning of the nipple or any other noticeable changes in the shape or position of the nipple.

If you experience any of these breast cancer symptoms, it's important to seek medical advice for early diagnosis and treatment.

Types of Breast Cancer

There are several types of breast cancer based on the specific breast cells that become cancerous. Here are some of the most common breast cancer types:

• Ductal carcinoma: This cancer starts in the milk duct cells.
• Lobular carcinoma: This begins in the milk-producing lobules and is more likely to affect both breasts compared to other types.
• Inflammatory breast cancer: A rare form where cancer cells block lymph vessels in the skin of the breast, causing it to become warm, red, and swollen.

Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

The diagnosis of breast cancer involves physical examination, medical history reviews, and various tests to determine the presence, type, and stage of cancer. 

Here’s how breast cancer is typically diagnosed:

1. Physical Examination: A thorough clinical breast exam (CBE) to check for any unusual lumps or changes in the breasts and armpits is a physical examination.

2. Imaging Tests:

• Mammogram: An X-ray to identify lumps and other breast tissue abnormalities.
• Ultrasound: The sound waves in Ultrasound create images of the breast to differentiate between solid tumors and fluid-filled cysts.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): A scan that provides detailed images of the breast using magnetic fields.

3. Biopsy: If imaging tests suggest cancer, a biopsy is performed. Removal of a sample of tissue or fluid from the breast for further analysis is included in the biopsy procedure. There are different types of biopsies:

• Fine-needle aspiration (FNA): A thin needle for fluid and tissue removal from a lump.
• Surgical biopsy: A surgeon removes the entire lump along with surrounding tissue.
• Core-needle biopsy: A big needle to remove a small tissue sample from the lump.
• Lymph node biopsy: A lymph node sample under the arm is taken to check if the cancer has spread.

4. Blood Tests: Blood tests like blood chemistry tests, including a basic metabolic panel (BMP) or comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), help assess overall health and organ function.
5. Genetic Testing: To understand the genetic makeup of the cancer. The tests may be conducted to look for mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are linked to higher cancer risks.
6. Hormone Receptor Tests:

• Estrogen and Progesterone Receptor Test: This test checks if the cancer cells have receptors for estrogen or progesterone, which can affect cancer growth.
• HER2 Test: This test looks for the HER2 protein, which, when present in excess, can cause cancer cells to grow more rapidly. HER2-positive cancers may benefit from targeted therapies.
  7. Tumor Characteristics: The biopsy sample is also analyzed for specific features such as:
• Tumor Type: Whether the cancer is invasive or in situ, and whether it is ductal or lobular.
• Grade: This refers to how much the cancer cells differ from normal cells and how fast they are growing.
• Oncotype DX and MammaPrint: These tests analyze genetic information to predict the risk of cancer recurrence and guide treatment decisions.

These diagnostic tools can accurately determine the type, stage, and characteristics of breast cancer and help in creating a treatment plan.

Breast Cancer Prevention

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, certain habits and steps can significantly reduce the risk. Here is how to prevent breast cancer naturally:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity can increase breast cancer risk.
• Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can decrease the risk.
• Eat a balanced diet: Focus on antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid processed and red meats.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Avoid or minimize alcohol intake to reduce risk.
• Eliminate or reduce smoking: Reduce smoking to decrease the risk.
• Breastfeed if possible: Breastfeeding has protective benefits against breast cancer.
• Avoid hormone therapy: If necessary, use the lowest dose for the shortest duration.

By adopting these lifestyle changes, you can take proactive steps on how to avoid breast cancer while improving overall health and wellness.

Treatment of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer treatment varies based on the type, stage, and individual factors. Common options include:

1. Surgeries like:

• Mastectomy: Complete breast removal.
• Lumpectomy: Tumor removal while preserving the breast.
• Breast Reconstruction: Restores breast appearance after surgery.

1. Radiation Therapy: Destroys remaining cancer cells, often after surgery.
2. Chemotherapy: Shrinks tumors before surgery or prevents recurrence after.
3. Hormone Therapy: Blocks hormones that fuel cancer growth, effective for hormone-sensitive cancers.
4. Targeted Therapy: Drugs like trastuzumab attack specific cancer cells.
5. Immunotherapy: It enhances the immune system to fight cancer.

Breast cancer awareness, early detection, and prevention of breast cancer are key to reducing the risk of breast cancer.

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FAQs 

 1. How is breast cancer diagnosed?

Breast cancer is diagnosed through physical examinations, imaging tests like mammograms and ultrasounds, and biopsies to analyze tissue samples for cancerous cells.

2. What are the risk factors for breast cancer?

The risk factors for breast cancer include 

• Genetic mutations
• Family history
• Hormonal imbalances
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Obesity
• Alcohol consumption, and
• Radiation exposure.

3. What are the treatment options for breast cancer?

The treatment options for breast cancer include

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Hormone therapy
• Targeted therapy, and
• Immunotherapy.

4. Does a family history of breast cancer increase my risk?

Yes, having a family history of breast cancer can increase your risk.

5. Which food prevents breast cancer?

While no single food can prevent breast cancer, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats and limited processed foods and red meat, may help reduce the risk.