Early signs of breast cancer to look out for

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer affecting women across the world. To bring awareness and educate people about this life-threatening disease, the month of October is marked as breast cancer awareness month or Pink Month. When the breast cells undergo mutation and start to grow uncontrollably it leads to breast cancer. This abnormal growth creates tumours and can get invasive and metastasised. Breast cancer can originate from milk ducts, milk glands, or lobules. There are different types of breast cancer depending on the cells that it originates from. Breast cancer, though rarely, can also affect men.

There may not always be a physical sign of breast cancer. Nonetheless, here are 5 early signs, that can indicate breast cancer, you must pay attention to:

• Swelling in collarbone and armpits: Swelling in the armpits or near the collarbone can be one of the underlying causes of breast cancer. The swelling arises due to the spread of cancer in the lymph nodes. It may even begin before the lump formation.

• Pain, irritation, and tenderness: The lump formation can sometimes cause pain. Usually, breast pain is associated with menstruation. If it persists after the menstrual cycle it may imply the origin of breast cancer. You also experience irritation or itchiness in the breasts. The skin appearance also changes causing tender or flaky skin.

• Breast lump: The presence of a bump under your arm can be a sign of breast cancer. A mammogram can help detect the lump during the initial stages of cancer. Women with a family history of breast cancer should self-examine regularly and seek medical support in case of any abnormality.
• Breast dimpling: Dimpling gives the skin texture of an orange peel, also known as peau d’ orange. It can be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer. You may find skin texture and color changes — like red-colored skin, thickening of breast tissues in the armpits, pitted skin, and scaly skin.

• Nipple discharge: A fluid discharge from the nipple may be an early marker of ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS), mainly when it occurs with a breast lump. It arises in the milk ducts. In many cases, nipple discharge can be due to physical activity or other stimulations. Nipple discharge is not always cancerous and may suggest some other medical condition as well. You must consult your doctor before making any presumptions about the condition.

Women over 40 are at higher risk of breast cancer and are recommended to undergo breast screening every 2 years. Any physical or physiological changes in the breast should be consulted with the doctor. Routine screening can be very helpful in detecting breast cancer in its early stages and declining mortality due to this life-threatening disease.