The symptoms of breast cancer vary from patient to patient, but they usually include the presence of a lump in one or both breasts. It is crucial for women to regularly examine their breasts to detect the condition early, with one in eight women diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives. Most of those diagnosed are over 50 years old, although women of all ages are at risk of developing breast cancer.
It is important to consult a doctor if any symptoms of breast cancer appear. The most common symptom is a lump in the breast, but there are also several other key warning signs to be aware of.
The lump can be found anywhere along the chest wall, extending down to the armpit. Additionally, patients may experience nipple discharge accompanied by breast pain. The skin around the breast may appear swollen, or there may simply be some unexplained skin changes.
Common symptoms of breast cancer include:
- Breast swelling
- Discharge from the nipple
- Skin bumps
- Inward turning of the nipple
- Swelling or lump under the arm or in the collarbone area
- Skin changes on the breast or nipple
The UK National Health Service has stated that the exact cause of breast cancer is not fully understood; however, certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing it. You may have a higher chance of developing breast cancer if you have relatives with breast or ovarian cancer.
You can reduce your risk of cancer, along with several other conditions, by following a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly. Additionally, women who breastfeed their children are less likely to develop breast cancer, according to the British newspaper Express.
