Breast Cancer Common Symptoms

Published: 2014-12-10

Breast cancer is cancer that develops from breast tissue.[1] Signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, fluid coming from the nipple, or a red scaly patch of skin.[2] In those with distant spread of the disease, there may be bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, shortness of breath, or yellow skin.[3]

Risk factors for developing breast cancer include obesity, lack of physical exercise, drinking alcohol, hormone replacement therapy during menopause, ionizing radiation, early age at first menstruation, and having children late or not at all. About 5–10% of cases are due to genes inherited from a person’s parents, including BRCA1 and BRCA2 among others. Breast cancer most commonly develops in cells from the lining of milk ducts and the lobules that supply the ducts with milk. Cancers developing from the ducts are known as ductal carcinomas, while those developing from lobules are known as lobular carcinomas.[2] In addition, there are more than 18 other sub-types of breast cancer. Some cancers develop from pre-invasive lesions such as ductal carcinoma in situ.[4] The diagnosis of breast cancer is confirmed by taking a biopsy of the concerning lump. Once the diagnosis is made, further tests are done to determine if the cancer has spread beyond the breast and which treatments it may respond to.

The balance of benefits versus harms of breast cancer screening is controversial. A 2013 Cochrane review stated that it is unclear if mammographic screening does more good or harm.[5] A 2009 review for the US Preventive Services Task Force found evidence of benefit in those 40 to 70 years of age,[6] and the organization recommends screening every two years in women 50 to 74 years old.[7] The medications tamoxifen or raloxifene may be used in an effort to prevent breast cancer in those who are at high risk of developing it.[4] Surgical removal of both breasts is another useful preventative measure in some high risk women.[4] In those who have been diagnosed with cancer, a number of treatments may be used, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.[2] Types of surgery vary from breast-conserving surgery to mastectomy.[8][9] Breast reconstruction may take place at the time of surgery or at a later date. In those in whom the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, treatments are mostly aimed at improving quality of life and comfort

Here are 5 common risk factors for developing breast cancer.

Being A Woman

The vast majority of breast cancer cases affect women. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s impossible for men to [|]develop breast cancer[:|]. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates that in 2012, nearly 2,200 men will develop breast cancer and just over 400 will die from it. However, just being a woman already places a person at risk for developing breast cancer.

Genetics

There are certain genes that are passed from parent to child that make a person more susceptible to developing cancer. There are two genes, called BRCA1 and BRCA2, which can have [|]abnormal mutations[:|] that lead to breast cancer. Everyone has these genes and they are responsible for the health of breast tissue, but when they are abnormal, breast cancer can develop. The good news is that those with a family history of breast cancer have the option of being screened for these mutations, which means that it’s possible for individuals to know in advance if they have this increased risk.

Race And Ethnicity

Caucasian women have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer, but African-American women have a higher risk of developing more aggressive, advanced stage cancers at a younger age than other demographics of women. Because of this, African-American women are also more likely to die from breast cancer.

Age

As with many other diseases and conditions, the risk of developing breast cancer increases as a person gets older. In fact, two out of three cases of [|]invasive breast cancer[:|] are diagnosed in women over the age of 55. Because of this, doctors will usually start screening women around the age of 40, unless they have other risk factors or they request earlier screening. And while no one can do anything about growing older, people can grow older and be healthier.

Being Overweight

Women who are overweight have a statistically higher incidence of breast cancer than women who are not overweight. Being overweight is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) over 25. This risk is caused by fat cells. Fat cells produce [|]estrogen[:|], and breast cancer tumors are often called “estrogen dependent” tumors. The location of the extra weight matters as well. Extra fat around the belly may cause more of a risk than extra fat in the thighs and buttocks, but more research is needed to determine why this is.

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