In the pursuit of a happy and healthy life, we often come face to face with challenges that we cannot control. One such challenge is cancer, a relentless and deadly disease that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or lifestyle. Breast cancer, in particular, is a formidable adversary that requires early detection for effective treatment. It affects both women and men, although it is more commonly diagnosed in women.
Delhi and Gurgaon’s leading surgeon for breasts Dr Amita Jain shares 5 early warning signs of breast cancer in women here.
What are the 5 early signs of breast cancer in women?
Laparoscopic and General surgeon Dr Amita Jain explains the five signs in detail.
A palpable breast lump
The most common early sign of breast cancer is the presence of a painless lump that can have varying textures, such as soft and rubbery or hard. These lumps often develop in the upper, outer quadrant of the breast, extending into the armpit. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that not all breast lumps are cancerous; many are benign cysts or fibroadenomas. Any new or unusual breast lump should be promptly evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out potential concerns.
Alteration in breast shape and size
Keep an eye out for any unexplained changes in breast size or shape. This can include one breast becoming larger or noticeably different from the other.
The change happens due to menopause, which causes the breast to lose fat and become smaller and tender, while post-menopause may lead to increased fatty tissue. Hormone medications for menopause or birth control can also alter breast shape.
Nipple changes
Changes in the nipple can be indicative of breast cancer. These changes might include:
Nipple Retraction or Inversion: In some cases of breast cancer, the tumor can pull the tissue inward, causing the nipple to retract or become inverted. This means the nipple, which typically points outward, appears to be pulled inward or flattened.
- Nipple Discharge: Nipple discharge can result from various benign factors such as hormonal fluctuations, infections, fibrocystic breast changes, and benign tumors. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, milky discharge is common. However, if spontaneous discharge occurs from one duct on one side without any relation to pregnancy or breastfeeding, it may be a sign of potential issues like cancer or DCIS (Ductal carcinoma in situ), the earliest form of breast cancer. It’s important to be vigilant if the discharge is bloody or clear without any manipulation.
- Skin Changes: Breast cancer can affect the skin around the nipple and areola. Peeling, scaling, crusting or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple (areola) or breast skin can be noticed. You might notice dimpling, puckering, or skin thickening (resembling an orange peel) around the nipple. This is often due to the cancer affecting the ducts or glands beneath the nipple.
4. Swelling (edema) of the skin of the breast can be one of the early warning signs of Inflammatory Breast Cancer. However, once again it may not always be cancerous.
5. Enlarged lymph nodes under the arm or around the collarbone should not be ignored at all.
When breast cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, the chances of successful treatment and survival significantly increase. Regular self-breast exams and mammograms are vital tools for detecting breast cancer in its early, more treatable stages.
Breast Self-examination (BSE) once a month is a must for all women, especially for those with a genetic predisposition.
Mammograms, which involve low-dose X-rays of the breast, are the most reliable and effective way of detecting breast tumors well before they produce symptoms and while they are more manageable. Mammograms primarily focus on identifying the smaller tumors that aren’t yet detectable by touch or sight. Mammograms can be done after 40 for those not at risk, but at 30 for those at risk.
Knowledge empowers us. Raising awareness about breast cancer and its early signs is crucial to reducing its impact on lives.
Dr Amita Jain is one of India’s most distinguished and experienced female surgeons, known for her unmatched expertise in general and laparoscopic surgery. With over 29 years of surgical excellence, Dr Amita Jain has built a reputation for precision, compassionate care, and advanced surgical techniques.
Dr Amita Jain has successfully performed a wide range of complex general surgeries, including both open and minimally invasive procedures, with a strong focus on trauma care, onco-surgical techniques, and reconstructive surgeries. Her areas of specialisation include (including Gallbladder stone removal, appendix removal, hernia repair surgery, piles and fissure surgeries). She was the Professor of Surgery at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt. In 1994, she was commissioned asa Surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo. From 2020 to 2022, she worked with Bansals Hospital. Currently, Dr Amita Jain is the Senior General and Laparoscopic Surgeon at Rainbow Children Hospitals (Malviya Nagar, Delhi), Artemis Lite: Multi-Speciality Care Hospital (New Friends Colony, New Delhi) and at Rosewalk – Luxury Maternity Hospital in Delhi (Panchsheel Park, Delhi)
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