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, one of the most experienced General and Laparoscopic Surgeons in Delhi, is widely recognised for her expertise in hernia, piles, gallbladder, fissure, and fistula surgeries. With an outstanding career spanning over 29 years, Dr Amita Jain has earned her place among the top General and Laparoscopic surgeons in Delhi and India, known for her precision, compassion, and consistent surgical excellence. She was the Professor of Surgery at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt. In 1994, she was commissioned as a surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo.
Dr Amita Jain currently serves as the Head of Department and Senior Consultant for General, Laparoscopic and Trauma Surgery at Artemis Lite Hospital (Delhi), Rosewalk – Luxury Maternity Hospital in Delhi and Rainbow Children Hospitals (at Malviya Nagar and Panchsheel Park, New Delhi)
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 medical specialisation includes – Gallbladder surgeries, appendix removal surgeries, hernia repair surgeries, Pilonidal Sinus treatments, varicose vein and piles surgeries, fistula surgeries and fissure surgeries.
Dr Amita Jain has also authored some of the key medical journals and publications, like ResearchGate, IJSR
Note: the articles are written with Dr Amita Jain’s professional insights and referring to her medical publications.