Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women after skin cancer. It is important to be aware of the early signs and symptoms of breast cancer, as it is best to treat the condition in its early stages. While most breast cancers don't cause breast or nipple pain, some do. A hard, painless mass with irregular edges is more likely to be cancerous, but breast cancers can also be soft, round, tender, or even painful.
The lumps are usually hard and painless, although some are painful. However, not all lumps are cancerous. Benign breast conditions (such as cysts) that can also cause lumps.In addition to lumps, other signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include changes in the size or shape of the breast, dimpling or puckering of the skin, redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin, a nipple that turns inward, and discharge from the nipple. Most often, women have breast pain or discomfort related to their menstrual cycle.
In addition, some breast conditions not related to cancer, such as mastitis, can cause more sudden pain. However, if you have severe or persistent breast pain, your healthcare team should examine you.Approximately 5% to 10% of breast cancers are due to a genetic abnormality inherited from the mother or father. As with other types of
cancer, breast cancer
responds best to treatment when diagnosed in its early stages. The American Cancer Society offers programs and services to help you during and after cancer treatment.Because
breast cancer
doesn't cause many physical symptoms in its early stages, mammograms are the primary way to detect the condition.This infection is more common among women who are breastfeeding, but it can also occur in other women. The most common symptom of breast cancer in people assigned as boys at birth is a lump in the breast tissue. Breasts can change in size during the menstrual cycle, flat or inverted nipples are common throughout life, and milk leakage is very normal during pregnancy or shortly after having a baby. Invasive breast cancer occurs when cancer spreads from the area where it started and reaches healthy breast tissue.Getting an annual screening mammogram is important because it can help detect any changes in your breasts before they become noticeable.Breast cancer lumps are often found in the upper outer quadrant of the breast in women and near the nipple in men. To determine if your signs and symptoms are early signs of breast cancer, check with your doctor. Because men may not regularly check breast tissue for signs of lumps, male breast cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage.Whether you're a man or a woman, it's important to familiarize yourself with your breasts so you can recognize any changes and seek timely treatment. Breast cancer can also be classified based on certain characteristics, although the initial signs and symptoms are similar.
