Recognize the Various Breast Cancer Symptoms

Breast cancer symptoms are difficult to detect at the beginning because of their small size. New lumps can be palpated if they are large enough.

In the early stages, breast cancer symptoms do not show specific signs. The most common breast cancer symptoms is the appearance of a lump in the breast.

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that attacks the breast organs, where cells in the breast divide and grow out of control. This cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, especially in women. Women are at significant risk of developing breast cancer, but it does not eliminate the possibility that men can also develop breast cancer.

Breast cancer is difficult to cure, and the possibility of the patient recovering is minimal, so naturally, the community fears breast cancer. However, this does not mean breast cancer cannot be cured. The number of cancer patients increases yearly, and the prevalence of cancer in each gender is different.

There are many factors that are thought to trigger the growth of breast cancer cells. These factors are classified into two main factors: factors that cannot be controlled and factors that can be controlled.

So what are the breast cancer symptoms? And how to prevent breast cancer symptoms?

Uncontrollable factors

Factors that cannot be controlled are risk factors that are congenital and cannot be changed, such as:

• Family history

Women with family members who have had breast cancer have a greater risk. A woman with a mother, aunt or sister who has breast cancer has a 2-fold risk of developing breast cancer. While the trouble is in the next generation; for example, if the woman has children, then the child of the woman has a risk three times greater than the mother.

• Gender

Gender is one of the risk factors for cancer. Women are 100 times more likely to have breast cancer than men. This is because, in women, the breasts are more developed and have more tissue than in men.

Genetics

Genetic factors cause about 5% to 10% of people living with breast cancer. The average human body has genes that control tumor growth called BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Cell growth cannot be held if this gene is damaged or mutated, and cancer cells eventually arise.

• Age

Women over 55 are at greater risk of developing breast cancer. This is due to the decreased ability to control cells and organ function, causing cells to grow uncontrollably. Two out of three breast cancer patients are women over 55.

• Individual History

Women who have had breast cancer in one part of their breast, such as the right breast, are at risk of spreading the breast to other parts of their body, namely the left breast. Even though the cancer cells have been removed from the breast tissue, the woman is still at risk of developing breast cancer.

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Controllable factors

What is meant by controllable factors are risk factors related to a person’s lifestyle and pattern.

• Exercise

Lack of exercise is a risk factor that can lead to cancer. Someone who regularly exercises 4 hours a day can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 14%.

• Food

Lack of consumption of vegetables and fruit causes the body to lack antioxidants that ward off free radicals. Free radicals are compounds harmful to the body and can cause cell damage, including the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

• Alcohol

Alcohol is a chemical compound that can interfere with the processes and functions of body organs. Women who drink alcohol regularly risk developing breast cancer more than those who do not drink.

• Radiation

Although rare, radiation can be a risk factor for breast cancer. X-ray radiation, or what we are familiar with as X-rays, can trigger cell mutations, resulting in damaged cells losing the ability to control their division.

• Smoke

Undoubtedly, smoking is a behavior that causes many diseases, including breast cancer. Cigarettes contain hundreds of chemicals that can damage organs and body cells and trigger cancer cell development.

• Weight

Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing cancer. This is because the hormone estrogen, a cancer trigger, is produced by fat cells—the more fat cells in the body, the greater the risk of breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

Breast cancer symptoms are difficult to detect at an early stage because of the small size of the lump. New lumps can be palpated if they are large enough.

However, not all lumps in the breast mean cancer. Therefore, it is important to examine to determine whether the lump is cancerous or not.

Breast cancer symptoms can be identified using breast self-examination (BSE) every month, ten days after the menstrual period ends.

Carefully feel the breast clockwise to detect any lumps or changes in the breast.

Some of the breast cancer symptoms that sufferers can experience are:

• A lump or hardening of the breast that is different from the surrounding tissue.
• Bleeding from the nipple.
• Redness or enlargement of breast skin pores that resemble orange peel.
• Pain and swelling in the breast.
• Exfoliation of the skin around the nipples.
• Changes in the skin of the breast, such as depression.
• Changes in the size, shape, or appearance of the breasts.
• The nipple is pulled in (retraction or inversion) inward.
• Lumps or swelling under the armpit.

Breast Cancer Prevention

Although there are no definite facts or scientific evidence on how to prevent breast cancer, the following preventive measures can be taken to control the risk factors that cause breast cancer:

• Exercise regularly.
• Enough rest.
• Breastfeed children until they are two years old.
• Routine and thorough examination with SADARI.
• Manage stress well.
• Diet with balanced nutrition.
• Do not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages.

When to see a doctor?

If you experience lumps, swelling, or changes in the breast, which have never been found before, immediately consult an oncologist for further examination and treatment.

Prime Plus Medical is your trusted health care provider in Canggu, Bali. Our team of English-speaking doctors is always ready to offer you international quality medical services. From quality consultation to great emergency care, we are passionately driven to become your top health care solution in Bali.

If you are interested in our services, please do not hesitate to give us a call at +(62)361 474 0055 or email us at [email protected]!