Comprehensive Study Of Breast Cancer – Causes, Treatment, Symptoms, Prevention & Tests

The early symptoms of breast cancer are when breast cells grow excessively, and it often forms a tumour that is diagnosed from an X-ray or seems like a lump. Though most commonly found in women, this type of cancer is rare in men.  However, early detection of the tumor would help the doctor diagnose whether the lump is cancerous or not. The non-cancer options are unusual growth of muscles, though not life-threatening. Soon after you notice any change in breasts or sense a lump, an immediate medical check-up can help. It is important to get the right diagnosis at the right time to eliminate future chances of high risks for the patient. When diagnosed with the early symptoms, try to find out more about what is breast cancer.

What are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

How do you know that you have any of the symptoms of breast cancer? A normal looking and feel of breasts are important. Regular screening tests are important, you need to be careful of changes that you see in your breasts and immediately try to find out more about the signs. A lump or a new mass is a common symptom of breast cancer. A painless, hard part of the muscle is normally like to result in breast cancer, but breast cancers are soft and painless. For any change in breasts or surrounding muscles, it is important to visit a professional.

Other Possible Signs Include:

• Pain in breast, nipple, or any area of breasts
• Swelling of parts of the breast
• Skin dimpling, turning to orange peel 
• Nipple retraction
• Nipple discharge (apart from breast milk)
• Swollen muscle forming a lymph

However, these symptoms can be reasons for problems other than cancer. One should not delay when any of these shows up and see a doctor immediately.

Signs of Invasive Breast Cancer

• Breast skin or nipple turns out red, flaking, or dry 
• Breast thickening 
• Redness of the skin around the breast 
• Change in touch or feeling hard 

However, there could be changes in the symptoms depending on the type of breast cancer.

What are the Causes of Breast Cancer?

When the breast begins to grow and the cells divide rapidly, the first abnormal sign begins. The cells accumulate, forming a lump often, which then tends to spread through lymph nodes or other body parts. The faster it is diagnosed, it helps reduces the chance of risk factors and prevent its spread. It is the milk-producing ducts where cancer will begin. Besides, it can be the glandular tissue or other tissue in the breast to give rise to cancer.

However, there is a chance of inherited cancer issues which is only 5 to 10 percent. It is the muted genes that increase the chance of cancer.

The idea about the causes of the life-threatening disease would help one know how to prevent breast cancer. It would help you make the right decisions without delaying visiting the physician. You can ask your doctor to get help from a genetic counselor to review the family’s health history and discuss the risks factors and ways to prevent it.

The thorough diagnosis and correct treatment and tests help find out why breast cancer occurs. Most of the cases of breast cancer don’t relate to the family. However, genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 have a high risk of developing the disease. These genes tend to pass the risk from parent to child.

How to Reduce Risks of Breast Cancer?

When wondering how to avoid breast cancer or reduce risk factors, the following lifestyle changes can help:

• Maintain a healthy weight - Indulge in daily workout practice to maintain healthy body weight. Cut on calorie consumption to maintain it. 
• Limit consumption of alcohol - It is recommended to limit to one drink a day as a small amount can also result in problems of cancer
• Breastfeed - Breast feeding plays an important role in preventing breast cancer, and the longer you feed, the higher the protective effective
• Limit post-menopause hormone therapy - Hormone therapy can reduce the chance of cancer risks. Even if you do so, consult with a doctor to have the lowest of risks and monitor the time for which you are taking the hormones

What is the Breast Cancer Diagnosis Tests?

• Breast ultrasound – It uses sound waves, sonograms in inside areas of the breast to get a detailed picture 
• Biopsy – It takes tissue from the breast to be seen under a microscope with further testing. 
• Diagnostic Mammogram – It is a detailed X-ray of the breast to diagnose the lump or abnormality found in the breasts  
• MRI or magnetic resonance imaging – It is a body scan using a magnet to get a detailed picture of the inside of the breasts.

When wondering how to diagnose breast cancer, consult a doctor, and you have to get the tests done at the earliest to start with medication at the earliest. These are the basic tests and further would be recommended depending on the stage of cancer. 

Disclaimer: The information on this website should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health expert if you have questions about your health.