When treating any form of cancer, earlier is always better. The sooner cancer is detected, the higher the chances of successful treatment and recovery. This is why it is vital to know the signs. While some cancer indicators are well-known, simply looking for a lump may lead to dangerous delays in diagnosis. Here, Richmond University Medical Center discusses the early and uncommon signs of breast cancer to help at-risk patients seek treatment sooner.
Early Signs of Breast Cancer
The most commonly known sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. However, not all lumps in breast tissue are related to cancer. In addition, a tumor may not become large enough to be felt until the cancer is already well-developed. By this point, cancer cells may already have spread to other parts of the body. More strenuous breast cancer treatment may be required because of the delay.
It is always important to have new masses or bodily changes checked by a physician. Relying on these as the only indicator of cancer, however, can be unreliable. Instead, patients should watch their breasts for any type of change, including:
- Swelling in all or part of a breast
- Dimpled skin with a texture like an orange peel
- Pain in the breast or nipple
- Nipple retraction (turning inward)
- Red, dry, or flaking skin around the breast or nipple
- Unusual discharge
- Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or collarbone
Many of these symptoms are shared by less serious health conditions, such as cysts or ordinary skin irritation. If patients notice any of these signs, they should seek a medical professional for diagnosis.
What Is a Normal Breast?
No breast is perfectly normal. Many women say their breasts feel uneven or lumpy, and what is normal for one individual may be unusual for another. A variety of factors may also change the way breasts look and feel, such as:
- Menstruation
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Weight gain or loss
- Certain medications
- Temporary skin irritation
- Age
Instead of relying on a default descriptor that may not match their body, patients should pay attention to their own breasts. Watch them and feel them, not just once but over time. By becoming familiar with their unique “normal,” patients are better prepared to notice a change.
Breast Cancer Screening
Though breast examination is a key part of breast cancer detection, early-stage breast cancer is often asymptomatic. This means that it does not cause very noticeable symptoms. During its asymptomatic stage, breast cancer is less aggressive. It is also less likely to have spread outside the breast tissue. These factors often contribute to easier treatment. By the time symptoms become noticeable, cancer may be more advanced and aggressive – making treatment more challenging.
This is why routine cancer screening is essential. The Comprehensive Breast and Imaging Center at Richmond University Medical Center uses a range of imaging technologies to identify early-stage cancer sooner than it develops external symptoms, increasing the likelihood of early detection.
Do Men Need to Screen?
Because breast cancer is widely regarded as a women’s disease, most education materials are targeted toward women. Men are rarely taught what to look for or encouraged to schedule screenings. As a result, many male patients do not notice a problem until late. When breast cancer is diagnosed in men, it is often in advanced stages, requiring more aggressive treatments. This is why, though men may not be screened, they should still understand the signs.
Signs of breast cancer in men are the same as in women. They include breast shape changes, skin changes, nipple inversion, and discharge. If a male patient notices any of these signs, he should discuss the possibility of cancer screening with his physician.
Breast Cancer Prevention
Self-exams are not the only way patients may lower the odds of cancer or ensure an early diagnosis. Other measures to take include:
- Family history: Patients with a family history of cancer should alert their physician. An advanced screening schedule or genetic testing may help detect cancer early.
- Healthy diet: Nutrient-rich foods may reduce the risk of breast cancer. They also help patients maintain a healthy weight, making it easier to notice changes.
- Exercise: Regular exercise supports a healthy immune system, reduces inflammation, and lowers estrogen levels – together reducing the risk of breast cancer.
- Limit alcohol: Alcohol consumption is among the biggest risk factors for cancer. Current dietary guidelines recommend drinking in moderation, or not at all.
- Quit smoking: Tobacco smoking increases the risk of multiple types of cancer, including breast cancer, especially in heavy or long-term smokers.
- Breastfeed: For patients with babies, breastfeeding has been demonstrated to have a preventative effect against breast cancer.
Learn the Signs of Breast Cancer
Knowing the early signs of breast cancer is vital for increasing the chances of early diagnosis and effective treatment. Richmond University Medical Center works to educate patients throughout Staten Island, New York, on cancer detection, treatments, and prevention. Contact us to learn more about breast cancer and breast cancer screenings or to schedule an appointment with an oncologist.
