Signs of Breast Cancer
According to Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer is a cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. Breast cancer can occur in women and rarely in men.
Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast, bloody discharge from the nipple, and changes in the shape or texture of the nipple or breast.
Treatment depends on the stage of cancer. It may consist of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
What are symptoms of Breast Cancer?
The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass (although most breast lumps are not cancer). A painless, hard mass that has irregular edges is more likely to be cancer, but breast cancers can be also soft, round, tender, or even painful. Other possible symptoms of breast cancer include:
- Swelling of all or part of a breast (even if no lump is felt)
- Skin dimpling (sometimes looking like an orange peel)
- Breast or nipple pain
- Nipple retraction (turning inward)
- Nipple or breast skin that is red, dry, flaking, or thickened
- Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
- Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collar bone (Sometimes this can be a sign of breast cancer spread even before the original tumor in the breast is large enough to be felt.)
Chemotherapy Side Effects
Chemotherapy is a common treatment for cancer, but it can cause various side effects due to its impact on both cancerous and healthy cells. Common side effects include:
- Nausea and Vomiting: Often managed with medications, these symptoms can occur shortly after treatment.
- Fatigue: A prevalent side effect, fatigue can persist throughout treatment and may take time to resolve.
- Hair Loss: Temporary hair loss may occur, affecting the scalp and other body hair.
- Increased Risk of Infection: Chemotherapy can lower white blood cell counts, making patients more susceptible to infections.
- Changes in Appetite: Patients may experience alterations in taste and appetite, leading to weight changes.
Breast Cancer Screening
Breast cancer screenings involve tests to detect cancer early, often before symptoms appear. Key methods include mammography, typically recommended for women aged 40 and older, and clinical breast exams by healthcare professionals. Self-exams can also help individuals identify changes. Early detection is vital for better treatment outcomes and survival rates.
Types of Breast Cancers
There are seven types of breast cancer, which are detailed below.
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): The most common type, starting in the milk ducts and spreading to surrounding tissues.
- Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Begins in the lobules (milk-producing glands) and can also spread.
- Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): A non-invasive cancer where abnormal cells are found in the ducts but haven’t spread.
- Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS): Not a true breast cancer but indicates an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
- Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Lacks three common receptors, making it more aggressive and harder to treat.
- HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Characterized by overexpression of the HER2 protein, which promotes cancer cell growth.
- Paget’s Disease of the Nipple: A rare form that affects the skin and area of the nipple, often associated with underlying ductal carcinoma.
VIDEO RESOURCES ON BREAST CANCER
Tina Knowles Reveals Breast Cancer Diagnosis in “Matriarch”
Breast Cancer: What You Need To Know | Anita Johnson, MD | Black Health Matters Fall Summit 2020
Breast Cancer: An Intergenerational Discussion | Karen Jackson, Maimah Karmo, Dr. Anita Johnson
Former MTV VJ Ananda Lewis is sharing her journey in her battle with Stage IV Breast Cancer
Black Health Matters 03/24/2025 10:00 AM