8 Signs Warning You That You Have Of Breast Cancer

Cancers are named after the part of the body from which they originate. Breast cancer originates in the breast tissue. Like other cancers, breast cancer can invade and grow into the tissue surrounding the breast. It can also travel to other parts of the body and form new tumors, a process called metastasis.
 


Cells in the body normally divide (reproduce) only when new cells are needed. Sometimes, cells in a part of the body grow and divide out of control, which creates a mass of tissue called a tumor. If the cells that are growing out of control are normal cells, the tumor is called benign (not cancerous). If, however, the cells that are growing out of control are abnormal and don't function like the body's normal cells, the tumor is called malignant (cancerous).

What causes breast cancer?

We do not know what causes breast cancer, although we do know that certain risk factors may put you at higher risk of developing it. A woman's age, genetic factors, family history, personal health history, and diet all contribute to breast cancer risk.

Who is susceptible to breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women other than skin cancer. Increasing age is the most common risk factor for developing breast cancer, with 66% of breast cancer patients being diagnosed after the age of 55.

In the US, breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer, and it's the leading cause of cancer death among women ages 35 to 54. Only 5% to 10% of breast cancers occur in women with a clearly defined genetic predisposition for the disease. The majority of breast cancer cases are "sporadic”, meaning there is no definitive gene mutation.

8 warning signs of breast cancer

• A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm that persists through the menstrual cycle
• A mass or lump, which may feel as small as a pea
• A change in the size, shape, or contour of the breast
• A blood-stained or clear fluid discharge from the nipple
• A change in the look or feel of the skin on the breast or nipple (dimpled, puckered, scaly, or inflamed)
• Redness of the skin on the breast or nipple
• An area that is distinctly different from any other area on either breast
• A marble-like hardened area under the skin

These changes may be found when performing monthly breast self-exams. By performing breast self-exams, you can become familiar with the normal monthly changes in your breasts.
Breast self-examination should be performed at the same time each month, three to five days after your menstrual period ends. If you have stopped menstruating, perform the exam on the same day of each month.