One of the most prevalent diseases worldwide is breast cancer. One in eight American females and thousands of men are affected by this life-threatening disease. It accounted for 30% of newly diagnosed cancers in 2016. In the early stages, daily screening will help identify irregular cells and improve the chances of survival. Mammograms are the safest way, because they are easier to treat, to detect breast tumors early.
Statistics show that in 2013, more than 40,450 women and 464 men died from this disease in the U.S. alone. The main cause of death among Hispanic women is breast cancer, and Caucasian and Asian women are the second most common cause of death. When breast cells start to develop out of control, this type of cancer occurs. They develop tumours over time that can be felt as a lump.
There are earlier signals, however, which may mean something is wrong. It should be justification enough to see a doctor for a fresh mole, coughing, nausea, changes in bowel habits, and other symptoms. The secret to recovery is early detection.
The majority of breast cancer types are treatable. Until they cause signs or symptoms, screening tests may help identify irregular cells. Daily scans are a must if you have a family member with breast cancer.
1. Cough Constant
Dry cough, shortness of breath, and sore throat may mean that the lungs have been spread by cancer cells. This concern is known as secondary breast cancer and occurs in 60 percent to 70 percent of terminally ill women. Yet since they resemble those of other less severe conditions, such as common cold and flu, most patients ignore these symptoms.
The pleura (the lining around the lungs) can be irritated by cancer cells, causing breathing problems and fluid build-up. Some women may also have chest and hoarse throat pain that does not subside. Consult your physician immediately if these symptoms continue for more than a few weeks.
2. A New Mole
While moles are commonly associated with an increased risk of skin cancer, they are not always the cause. A survey carried out on 5,956 women showed that there was a 13 percent higher risk of breast cancer among those with the most moles. In pre-menopausal women with several moles, the risk tends to be higher.
Another survey conducted on 74,523 Caucasian women (the Nurses' Health Study) found that the incidence of cancer was 35% higher in those with 15 or more moles, 15% higher in those with six to 14 moles, and 4% higher in those with less than five moles. Seek medical advice if you see a new mole on your body or note any improvements to existing moles. Breast cancer can be indicated by a mole which begins to itch, bleed, or alter its shape, size, and texture.
3. Tiredness
One of the most prevalent symptoms of cancer is fatigue. While thyroid disorders or hormonal imbalances can also be suggested by this symptom, it should not be taken lightly. If it is caused by cancer, whether you sleep more or have plenty of rest, it won't go away. Depression, inadequate sleep, and persistent pain are often caused by this condition. For no cause, you can feel frail, tired, and sluggish.
Research reveals that during therapy, nine out of 10 breast cancer patients report exhaustion. This symptom can however, also occur at the early stages of the disease and last for months after the end of treatment. See your doctor immediately if you have low energy levels and feel exhausted all the time.
4. Digestive Problems
Among the major symptoms of breast cancer are abdominal bloating, constipation, urinary incontinence, and tenderness. Hormonal changes that affect digestion and organ function are caused by this condition. When laughing, coughing, or sneezing, some patients experience loss of bladder control. A sudden need to urinate is stated by others.
Cancer puts stress on the body and the hormones are mixed up, which can upset the digestive system. In the abdominal area, abdominal or pelvic pain, changes in bowel habits, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, and swelling indicate that something is going on in your body. Get any tests done if you experience any of those symptoms.
5. The Back Pain
At some level, eight out of 10 individuals will experience back pain. Your risk of back pain can be increased by prolonged sitting, poor posture, poor lifting, arthritis, and injuries. This symptom can also, sadly, mean that breast cancer cells have spread to your spine.
Back pain associated with cancer sounds as though it's emanating from the bone, putting pressure on the spine and ribs. Some women, because of it, have difficulty getting about or sleeping at night. The pain will make your bones weaker, resulting in fractures. Cancer-caused back pain is most commonly accompanied by nausea, confusion, hunger, irritability, fatigue, and constipation. The good news is that long before your bones become fragile enough to cause throbbing pain and impact your daily life, care can be begun.
Lumps: Lumps (in the Breast or Underarm)
The most common warning sign of breast cancer is a lump in the breast or underarm region. It is important to understand, however that the breasts can change shape and a certain 'lumpiness' does not necessarily mean that there is a problem or cancer is emerging.
It is something that can be performed easily at periodic intervals without any medical expertise to check the breasts and feel for lumps or irregularities.
One should see a doctor if:
- They remember that their breasts' texture has changed and is not due to their menstrual cycle.
- There's a stiffer lump that doesn't look like part of the breast.
- One breast has a lump in it and not the other.
For a number of reasons, breast size and shape may change slightly, but if there is a clear difference here and it has nothing to do with normal biological processes, it is necessary for a more thorough examination to see a doctor.
Tenderness/Pain
Many individuals who discover a lump in their breast (which is later diagnosed as cancer) claim that pain does not accompany the lump's presence. However in some cases, irregular breast area pain or tenderness may mean that there is a problem, and if it continues, a physician should check the person out as soon as possible.
Discharge Nipple
In women, the discharge of nipples is not unusual, but it may also be an indication that something might be wrong. The discharge may be clear, bloody or discolored and if this symptom continues, one should seek advice from their doctor.
Inflammation
It may mean the presence of cancer that has passed through the surrounding lymph nodes if there is swelling in the armpit or collarbone.
What to Do When You See These Warning Signs
Benign breast disorders are associated with many of these signs. It does not necessarily mean that it is breast cancer, only because a lump is present. In fact, a fibrous, non-cancerous growth or fluid build-up that produces a cyst is the most common cause of a lump.
It is important that daily self-examinations are carried out so that any possible improvements are found at the earliest opportunity. While when a lump is found, it can be very stressful, getting this checked out is a fairly easy procedure.
It's important not to ignore all of the signs of alarm and hope that over time they will just vanish. The survival rates from early diagnosis of breast cancer are much higher than in cases where there was more time for the cancer to grow.
The initial examination will be carried out by a physician. They will refer the patient to a breast clinic if they are not sure what is causing a lump or anything like nipple discharge. Most would do this anyway even though they believe the issue is non-cancerous, as a matter of caution.
This hospital visit includes getting an x-ray or ultrasound scan and a biopsy in which a needle is inserted into the breast for examination and some tissue is removed. Normally, all of these procedures are carried out during the same hospital visit.