Symptoms of breast cancer

A diagnosis of cancer in its late stages and the inability to provide a cure condemns many people to unnecessary suffering and premature death.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer, whether globally, regionally, or locally. The number of cases in 2020 was estimated at approximately 2.2 million. More precisely, approximately one in 12 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

Let's learn about the symptoms, types, treatment, and prevention of breast cancer in the following report.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the breast cells and is considered the most common type of cancer worldwide. It can appear as a lump or swelling in the breast, and may be accompanied by other symptoms, which we will explain later in this article.

It is known that breast cancer begins locally in the breast and gradually spreads to the axillary lymph nodes, becoming invasive. It then spreads to other organs.

It is also worth noting that doctors have recently achieved significant advances in early detection and treatment of this disease, reducing the number of deaths resulting from the disease. In the past, detecting breast cancer meant removing the entire breast. Today, this type of surgery is only used in rare cases, as there is a wide range of treatments available, which we will discuss later.

Causes of Breast Cancer

It is not possible to determine the precise cause of breast cancer. There are a number of factors that can increase the likelihood of developing it, the most important of which are: The following:

  1. Genetic Factors

    A family history of breast cancer is one of the most important factors that increase the risk of developing it.

  2. Environmental Factors

    Exposure to radiation, environmental pollution, weather changes, and exposure to harmful chemicals can all increase the risk of developing it.

  3. Hormonal Factors

    Some suggest that imbalances in female hormones, especially estrogen, can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

  4. Age

    Studies and research have shown that aging may increase the risk of developing breast cancer, with women over the age of fifty being more susceptible.

It should be noted that the presence of any of these factors does not necessarily mean that a person will develop breast cancer, and it cannot be accurately predicted. Therefore, we recommend regular checkups and a healthy lifestyle to prevent the risk of developing breast cancer.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

The symptoms of breast cancer vary from person to person depending on the body's response to the disease and its progression. However, in general, the most important symptoms of breast cancer include the following:

  1. A change in the size, shape, or color of the breast.
  2. A lump or swelling in the breast. The lump may be painful or tender.
  3. Nipple discharge other than breast milk
  4. Skin irritation
  5. Swelling and tightening of the nipple
  6. Nipple retraction
  7. Dimpling of the skin
  8. Breast pain

Early symptoms of breast cancer

Breast cancer can be present for a long time before any symptoms appear, so early detection is important to reduce complications and increase the chances of a full recovery. In general, the most important early symptoms of breast cancer include:

  1. Scaling of the skin in the nipple or breast area
  2. Increased size of one or both breasts
  3. Change in the color or texture of the skin of the breast or nipple
  4. General pain in any part of the nipple
  5. Discharge from the nipple other than breast milk

Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Your 20s

Breast cancer is rare in your 20s, but it can occur in girls in this age group. The most common symptoms include:

  1. A breast lump, which is firm and painless in most cases
  2. A change in the shape, size, or color of the breast
  3. A change in the shape of the nipple
  4. Breast pain
  5. Unusual nipple discharge, such as pus or blood

Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Your 40s

At the age of 40, breast cancer symptoms may appear similar to those of other age groups. The most prominent of these symptoms include:

  1. Changes in the skin surrounding the breast, such as wrinkling, retraction, redness, or sores
  2. Breast pain
  3. Nipple discharge other than breast milk
  4. Change in the shape, size, or color of the breast
  5. Changes in the shape of the nipple, such as retraction or distortion

First signs of breast cancer

Breast cancer can be present for a long time before any symptoms appear, but the first sign of breast cancer that may indicate breast cancer is the appearance of a hard lump in the breast. This lump is often painless.

Symptoms of breast cancer in women over the age of 40

At the age of 40, breast cancer symptoms may appear similar to those of other age groups. The most prominent of these symptoms are:

  1. Changes in the skin surrounding the breast, such as wrinkling, retraction, redness, or sores
  2. Breast pain
  3. Discharge from the nipple other than breast milk
  4. Change in the shape, size, or color of the breast
  5. Changes in the shape of the nipple, such as retraction or deformity

Complications of breast cancer

The most important complications of breast cancer include: The following:

  1. Chronic pain
  2. Anatomic changes in the breast
  3. Phantom breast pain
  4. Lymphedema
  5. Fatigue and cognitive impairment

Breast cancer treatment

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Breast cancer treatment options vary depending on the type, size, and stage of the tumor, as well as the patient's condition and other factors. In general, the most important breast cancer treatment options include the following:

First: Surgery

In which the cancerous tumor is removed from the breast. This may involve removing part or all of the breast.

Second: Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses doses of radiation to kill cancer cells. It is worth noting that the treatment can be given before or after surgery.

Third: Chemotherapy

One of the treatment options for breast cancer is chemotherapy, which involves the use of anticancer drugs. These drugs destroy cancer cells and prevent them from growing, dividing, and multiplying.

It is worth noting that chemotherapy is given to the patient before surgery to shrink the tumor. It is also possible to undergo chemotherapy after surgery, which is called adjuvant therapy.

Fourth: Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is a treatment that targets specific genes, proteins, or a specific environment that contributes to tumor growth and survival.

It is worth noting that targeted therapy aims to prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells.

It is worth noting that targeted therapy is administered intravenously. We note in this context that not all types of breast cancer can be treated with targeted therapy.

Fifth: Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is one of the treatment options for breast cancer, which aims to enhance the body's defenses and immunity to fight and ultimately eliminate cancer cells.

We also note in this context that the appropriate treatment options for breast cancer are determined based on Based on the physician's assessment of the patient's condition and the stage of the disease.

The affected woman must also adhere to regular checkups and treatment prescribed by the treating physician to increase the chances of recovery from this disease.

The best foods for breast cancer patients

There are some general tips that can be followed to improve the patient's health and alleviate some of the symptoms and side effects of treatment, including:

  1. Eat foods rich in protein, such as white meat, eggs, fish, and fat-free cheeses.
  2. Eat foods rich in fiber, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
  3. Eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, C, and E.
  4. Eat foods rich in essential fatty acids, such as fatty fish, nuts, olive oil, and avocados.
  5. We also recommend avoiding fatty, fried, grilled, salty, and sugary foods.
  6. Alcohol consumption should be avoided.

Breast Cancer Survival Rate

Breast cancer survival rates vary from person to person depending on several factors, such as the type, size, stage, and extent of tumor spread, the patient's age, general health, and the type of treatment they receive.

It is worth noting that if breast cancer is detected early and in its early stages, a complete recovery is likely

According to recent studies and research, the survival rate for breast cancer ranges between 70-90% over the first five years. This rate can increase to more than 90% with early detection and effective treatment

According to recent studies and statistics, the survival rate for breast cancer ranges between 70-90% over the first five years. This rate can increase to more than 90% with early detection and effective treatment.

Breast Cancer Prevention

There are some steps that can be taken to prevent breast cancer, the most important of which include the following:

  1. Conducting regular breast examinations to detect any changes that may occur early For Breasts
  2. Maintain a healthy weight
  3. Exercise
  4. Avoid smoking and reduce alcohol consumption
  5. Ensure breastfeeding is continued
  6. Avoid excessive exposure to radiation and maintain sun protection
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