The most common symptom
of breast cancer
is the presence of a new lump or mass. While most lumps are not cancerous, a hard, painless mass with irregular edges is more likely to be cancerous. However, some rare and fast-growing types of breast cancer may not cause a distinct bump. Instead, the breast skin may become thick, red, and look boneless, like an orange peel.The area may also feel hot or tender and have small bumps that look like rashes.It is more important to be aware of any changes in your breasts than to check them on a regular schedule. Most breast cancers occur in people who do not have a genetic predisposition or a significant family history of the disease. Mammograms are the best available test for
detecting breast cancer
in its early stages, sometimes years before a cancerous lump can be felt. The American College of Radiology and the American Society of Breast Surgeons recommend that women aged 40 and over with an average risk should get annual mammograms.Doctors may also give mammograms to women with high risk factors to reduce their chances of getting breast cancer.There are various types of surgery for breast cancer, from removing the area surrounding the lump (lumpectomy or breast-conserving surgery) to removing the entire breast (mastectomy). Radiation therapy can also be used after breast cancer surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells near the tumor site.Most breast cancers start in the breast ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) or in the lobules (glands that produce milk). Depending on your individual case, you may receive personalized treatment options such as medical oncology, surgery options, reconstruction, radiation therapy, and clinical trials that are not available elsewhere. This year, it is estimated that about 2,620 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
However, studies suggest that other testing methods are more effective than mammograms for detecting cancer.Women who breastfeed their children for at least 6 months exclusively and up to 2 years or more partially can reduce their risk of breast cancer by 25%. Doctors use stages 0 to IV to describe whether the cancer is only in the breast, has spread to nearby lymph nodes, or has spread to other organs such as the lungs. Some women have a higher risk of developing breast cancer due to changes or mutations in certain genes at birth.
