Breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer among women. Every year, October is observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month to educate people about this form of cancer, its signs or early symptoms, and treatment options. It occurs when cells in your breast grow, genetically mutate, and divide uncontrollably, creating a tissue mass called a tumor.

What you need to know:

Early signs of breast cancer you need to look out for
What are the causes of breast cancer?
Ways to detect breast cancer
Steps to lower the risk of breast cancer
Why is it important to raise awareness about breast cancer?

Early signs of breast cancer you need to look out for

Here are some signs of breast cancer that you should know about:

Presence of lumps. These lumps can be hard, soft, fixed, or even movable
Persistent pain in your breasts or armpits for more than two weeks
Veins suddenly sticking out
Clear fluid or blood-stained discharge from your nipples
Redness, rashes, and warmth around the breast
Peel-like skin, dimpling, or puckering around the breasts
Swollen lymph nodes
Inverted nipples
Change in the size or shape of the breast
A marble-like hardened area under the skin

What are the causes of breast cancer?

Here are some factors that can increase your risk of getting breast cancer:

Old age
Family history
Inherited genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2
Pexposure to radiation and radioactive elements
Excessive consumption of alcohol
A previous diagnosis of breast cancer
Sedentary lifestyle

As breast cancer is life-threatening, it is vital to check for breast cancer warning signs regularly.

Ways to detect breast cancer

Here are some of the ways that can be used to detect breast cancer at an early stage:

Mammograms

Mammograms can help with the early detection of breast cancer. These special X-ray images can detect changes or abnormal growth of cells in the breasts.

Ultrasonography

Ultrasonography is a way to use sound waves to detect lumps or abnormalities inside the breast.

Positron emission tomography (PET)

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is an imaging test that uses a radioactive element called a tracer to track your metabolic activities.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans use magnets and radio waves to produce clear, detailed images of the structures inside the breast.

Steps to lower the risk of breast cancer

Here are some of the steps that can be incorporated to lower the risk of breast cancer:

Self-examine your breasts regularly. If there is any change in the look or feel, consult a medical expert immediately.
Stay active and exercise daily to maintain a healthy weight.
Consume a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
It is advisable for new mothers to breastfeed their children for at least one year.
Stop alcohol consumption and smoking tobacco altogether.

Why is it important to raise awareness about breast cancer?

It is vital to raise awareness about breast cancer as regular screening and early detection of breast cancer can play a critical role in saving lives. For example, the earlier your breast cancer is detected, the more the chances of it getting treated. Regular screenings and self-examinations can help detect cancer in its initial stages, which makes it much more manageable. Medical intervention at the right time indicates a higher probability of successful treatment and a lower mortality rate.

Noticing signs of breast cancer is vital for early detection and treatment. Consider following the self-tests discussed above for regular breast cancer screening. If your breast cancer symptoms worsen, visit a health expert immediately.

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