Warning Signs And Symptoms Of Breast Cancer!

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females, affecting one in every eight women in the US. Knowing the symptoms can help in early diagnosis and thereby early treatment and better outcome.  

How and why of breast cancer?


Breasts have milk producing glands as well as connective tissue including fat, fibrous tissue, nerves, blood vessels, etc. Milk produced in the glands reaches the exterior through a network of ducts. Most cancers develop in milk producing glands and ducts and later continue to grow and spread to lymph nodes in armpit as well as distant organs.  

Warning signs and symptoms: 


Given the high incidence of breast cancer, knowing the symptoms helps in early identification. Read on to know more. Pay extra attention if there is a family history. 

1. Appearance of a lump in the breasts or the armpits 
2. Any change in the size, shape, or contour of the breasts  
3. Presence of a watery or bloody discharge from the nipple  
4. The breast or the nipple turning red
5. Sudden thickening of breast tissue or skin that continues for a while 
6. Change in the feel or look of the skin (dimpling, puckering, scaliness, reddishness, warmth, etc.)
7. Hardening of the tissue under the breast skin 
8. Difference in appearance or feel of one area in comparison with other areas 

The presence of any of these or a combination of these symptoms should be an indication for a detailed check-up. As mentioned, early diagnosis helps in improving outcome. Treatment is also easier with early stage of disease. It is also good to know risk factors, which also indicate if you need to watch for symptoms. 

1. Family history: Breast cancer can run in families, and if you have close relative(s) with breast cancer, watch out for symptoms.  Family member or self have a positive test for BRCA1 and BRCA2 Family history of other cancers Age Women over the age of 40 years are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. 
2. Hormones: Increased use of estrogen increases the chances of developing breast cancer. Therefore, women who have used birth control pills for long time or are on hormone replacement therapy are at greater risk.  
3. Abnormal gynaecologic milestones: Women who have abnormal menstrual milestones are more predisposed to developing breast cancer. For instance, girls who have start of menstrual cycles before age of 12, get pregnant after 30, and reach menopause after 55. Women with menstrual irregularities including cycles earlier than 26 days and later than 29 days are also likely to have hormonal issues and are, therefore, at higher risk of breast cancer.  
4. Other factors: Smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity also increase the chances of a woman developing breast cancer."