Learn about the symptoms of breast cancer in women and men

Weather of Arabia - Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant cancers in women, which may affect men as well, but the causes of breast cancer are still not known precisely so far.

Early detection of breast cancer is one of the most important factors that increase the chance of recovery from it, as breast cancer is a curable tumor if it is detected in its early stages, so it is important to conduct regular breast cancer screening tests even if the person does not have symptoms of breast cancer.

Women, in particular, should know the symptoms of breast cancer. Therefore, medical institutions and medical staff in different countries are keen to conduct awareness campaigns about the signs of breast cancer, and also invite women to undergo early detection tests for breast cancer.

early breast cancer symptoms
A solid lump in breast tissue is the most well-known symptom of breast cancer, but there are other signs that may appear on the breast or nipple that may indicate breast cancer. Symptoms of breast tumors may also vary from person to person.

Here are the common early signs of breast cancer:

• A change in the skin of the breast, such as swelling, redness, or a rash.
• A change in the color or texture of the breast.
• An increase in the size of one or both breasts, or a change in the shape or rotation of the breast.
• A change in the shape, appearance, or color of the nipple, or inversion of the nipple.
• Discharge from the nipple, other than milk.
• Pain in any part of the breast.
• The presence of a lump, lump or knot in the breast or under the armpit, and the possibility of touching and feeling it.

It is worth noting that some changes in the breast may result from benign conditions, and one of the symptoms of benign breast cancer is changes in skin texture resulting from eczema. But it is always recommended when you notice any change in the breast to visit the doctor and examine the breast.

Breast cancer symptoms may vary depending on the type of breast cancer. In the following, we learn about the symptoms of the different types of breast cancer.

Symptoms of invasive breast cancer

Symptoms of invasive breast cancer include:

• Swelling of all or part of the breast.
• A lump in the breast.
• Breast skin irritation, or bumps appearing on it.
• Pain in the breast or nipple.
• Inversion of the nipple.
• Thickening of the skin of the nipple or breast, and the skin may look scaly.
• Discharge from the nipple.
• Feeling of a lump or swelling in the lymph nodes, which is one of the symptoms of breast cancer under the armpit.

Symptoms of localized breast cancer

There are two types of breast cancer in situ, ductal carcinoma in situ and lobular carcinoma in situ.

Ductal carcinoma in situ does not cause any symptoms, and patients rarely feel a lump in the breast or other symptoms. In most cases, ductal carcinoma in situ is detected with a mammogram.

As for lobular carcinoma in situ, it cannot be diagnosed through a mammogram, and it often does not cause any of the symptoms of breast cancer. Therefore, this type of breast cancer is usually discovered if a breast biopsy is taken for other medical reasons.

Symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer

Inflammatory breast cancer rarely causes a lump in the breast, so it may be difficult to detect through a clinical or self-examination of the breast or even through a mammogram. On the other hand, signs of inflammatory breast cancer can be seen with the naked eye.

Inflammatory breast cancer is characterized by the following symptoms:

• Chest swelling.
• Breast is red, itchy and painful to the touch.
• Change in the shape of the skin of the breast, which becomes similar to the peel of an orange.
• A change in the size of the breasts, one breast may appear larger than the other.
• Inverted nipple.
• No lump is felt during breast self-examination.
• Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or above the collarbone.

It should be noted that the symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer may develop quickly, and the cancer may develop rapidly, so you should go to the doctor immediately as soon as you notice any sudden changes in the breast or nipple.

It's also worth noting that redness, swelling, itching, and pain in pregnant and breastfeeding women may be signs of a breast infection that may be treated with antibiotics. But despite this, you should see a doctor and have a breast examination as soon as you notice any symptoms of breast cancer.

Symptoms of metastatic breast cancer

Symptoms of metastatic breast cancer depend on how far the cancer has spread in the body and what part of the body the breast cancer has spread to.

Metastatic or metastatic breast cancer may not cause any symptoms, but other times there may be symptoms associated with the areas affected, such as:

Breast or chest wall: Symptoms include pain, a discharge from the nipple, or a lump or thickening in the breast or underarm.
Bones: Symptoms include pain in the hand and bones, fractures, constipation, or decreased alertness due to high calcium levels.
Lungs: Symptoms include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, coughing, chest wall pain, or extreme tiredness.
Liver: Symptoms include nausea, extreme tiredness, increased abdominal circumference, swelling of the feet and hands due to fluid accumulation and yellowing or itching of the skin.
Brain: Symptoms include pain, confusion, memory loss, headache, blurred or double vision, difficulty speaking, difficulty moving or seizures.

Symptoms of breast cancer in men

Symptoms of breast cancer in men can be similar to signs of breast cancer in women, and may include:

• A lump in the breast is usually painless.
• An increase in the thickness of the breast.
• Changes in the skin of the nipple or breast skin, such as bumps, dimpling, puckering, or redness.
• Discharge or discharge of fluids from the nipples.
• Factors that increase the risk of breast cancer

There are some factors that increase the chance of developing breast cancer, including the following:

• Age. The incidence of breast cancer increases with age. About 77% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed after the age of 55.
• Genetic factors, as it is estimated that 5-10% of breast cancer cases have a genetic cause.
• Previous breast cancer, when exposed to breast cancer in one breast, the risk of a woman developing in the other breast increases by 3 to 4 times.
• Exposure to radiation therapy in the chest area.
• Early menstruation or late menopause.
• Childbearing at 30 years of age or older, or never getting pregnant.
• Improper use of estrogen and progesterone after menopause.
• Neglecting or failing to breastfeed.
• Environmental pollution. Exposure to certain insecticides and other pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls, increases the risk of breast cancer.
• Smoking. Smoking can increase the risk of breast cancer, but studies have not conclusively proven this.
• Alcohol.
• Obesity and high-fat food.

Breast self examination

This examination is not completely accurate, but its importance lies in increasing the chance of early detection of breast cancer by noticing any change in the breast or feeling a lump in the chest.

Although there may be many reasons that lead to the appearance of a lump in the chest, a doctor should be consulted in case of any symptoms of breast cancer or feeling a lump in the chest for the necessary tests and the exception of the presence of breast cancer.

The self-examination of the chest begins after the age of 20 years and is performed once a month, and if the woman is still menstruating, she should do the examination within 3 to 4 days after the end of her period.

If the woman has reached menopause, she can take the test during any day of the month. As for breastfeeding women, the self-examination should be done after the completion of the lactation stage.

How to do a breast self-examination?

Breast self-examination is performed through the following steps:

Stand in front of the mirror and look at the breast to notice any change in the skin of the breast, or a change in shape, or any retraction of the nipple to the inside of the breast.

Direct breast examination, as follows:

• The examination begins by lying comfortably with the left arm raised and tucked behind the head.
• Examine all areas of the left side of the chest using the right hand in circular motions while feeling the nipple radially or vertically up and down, to make sure that there are no tumors or areas where the tissue is hard.
• Examine the area under the left armpit to make sure that there are no tumors.
• Repeat the same process in the right breast and the right underarm area.
• Squeeze the nipple to make sure there are no secretions.
• It should be noted that self-examination of the breast can be performed during the shower as well.
• The American Cancer Society recommends the following screening tests for early detection of breast cancer:
• Undergoing an annual mammogram, starting at the age of 40, and regularly.
• Conducting a clinical breast examination every 3 years starting at the age of 20, and every year starting at the age of 40.

In the event that an individual has factors that increase the risk of breast cancer, it is recommended that the woman discuss the benefits and harms of starting mammograms at an early age, or adding other tests such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance, or undergoing other more frequent examinations.

Breast cancer early detection centers around the Arab world

There are many specialized centers and programs for the early detection of breast cancer in the Arab world, such as:

• The Egyptian Foundation for Breast Cancer Control.
• King Hussein Cancer Foundation - Early Detection Clinic in Jordan.
• Health Authority - Early detection of cancer in the UAE.
• Saudi Charitable Society for Cancer Control - screening centers in Saudi Arabia.

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