Breast cancer: Warning signs and ways to minimise your risk

Breast feeding gives protection against developing breast cancer. (Image: Canva)

Detecting breast cancer early significantly improves treatment outcomes, with cure rates reaching up to 99 percent. Changes in breast size or shape, especially on one side, can also signal the presence of a cancerous lump. Other potential signs include redness, swelling, or a texture resembling an orange peel on the skin. According to Dr Dinesh Singh, chairman radiation oncology, Andromeda cancer hospital, Sonipat, nipple changes like inversion or discharge, as well as rash on the areola, may indicate breast cancer. Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or lower neck can suggest locally advanced breast cancer.

Any of these changes should prompt consultation with a healthcare professional to ensure proper evaluation and diagnosis, emphasising the importance of not dismissing them without assessment.

Physical examination by a doctor.

Radiological investigation as required.

Biopsy when indicated.

Detecting breast cancer early greatly increases the chances of successful treatment.

The most common symptom of breast cancer is the appearance of a new lump or mass in the breast or underarm. It may feel different from the surrounding tissue and may or may not cause pain.

Changes in breast size or form: Any significant change in the size or form of the breast should be investigated. This could be linked to the development of a tumour.

Changes in skin texture: Dimpling, or thickening of the skin of the breast, similar to the texture of an orange peel, may suggest underlying breast cancer.

Swelling or redness in the breast: Persistent swelling, redness, or warmth in the breast may indicate inflammatory breast cancer, a rare and severe form of the illness.

Changes in nipple: Changes in nipple appearance, such as inversion (turning inward), discharge (other than breast milk), or a rash on or around the nipple, should be investigated.

Pain in breast: While breast pain is usually associated with benign illnesses, persistent pain, or discomfort in one breast that does not go away should be evaluated by an expert.

Changes in breast skin colour: Any mysterious colour changes in the breast skin, such as redness or bruises should be checked and evaluated.

Retraction of nipple: If the nipple abruptly pulls inward or inverts, it may suggest an underlying condition, such as breast cancer.

Lymph nodes: Under the arm or around the collarbone may grow or swell if breast cancer has spread there.

1. A good physical activity 30-50 minutes of good physical activity as per age and general fitness should be done regularly, and to maintain body weight especially after the age of 30 years. Weight gain and obesity is associated with increased chances of breast cancer.

2.Consumption of alcohol is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. As per WHO there is no minimum safe limit of alcohol consumption.

3. Stop tobacco consumption whether it is smoked or smokeless. Tobacco gets absorbed in blood and circulates in entire body and breast cancer occurs more in users than non-tobacco users.

4. Hormone usage should be minimized and should be taken only under medical supervision as it is associated with increased risk of breast cancer.

5. Family history is present in about 10% of cases of breast cancer. If someone is having history of breast cancer, they should be more vigilant.

6. Healthy diet is very crucial and includes green leafy vegetables, fruits, avoiding packed food, food with preservatives should be avoided.

7. Breast feeding gives protection against developing breast cancer. A duration of 6 months should be minimum which should be considered.

8. Regular screening, self-breast examination plays a very vital role in early detection of breast cancer. The mechanism or methodology for self-breast examination is present widely and should be practiced.

9. Genetic testing and prophylactic surgery have become popular recently in this a genetic testing is done to look for mutation in BRCA Genes and if detected it indicates up to 85 percent chances of getting breast, ovary, uterine cancer, hence some ladies are getting these removes.