Essential Facts About Breast Cancer Everyone Should Know

Breast cancer affects both men and women, making it one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. It is classified into two main types: invasive cancer that spreads to nearby tissues and non-invasive cancer confined within the milk ducts or lobules. Non-invasive is designated as stage 0, whereas invasive breast cancer has four stages, from I to IV. Early detection significantly improves treatment success, emphasizing the importance of regular breast self-examinations.

To perform a self-check, stand before a mirror with your shoulders back and hands on your hips. Observe any changes in size, shape, or color. Raise your arms and repeat the visual check. Lie down and place your left arm over your head, feeling your left breast with two fingers, moving in patterns that ensure thorough coverage. Repeat with the right breast, then check both while standing.

Detecting a lump in or beneath the breast is a common sign, but other benign causes include hormonal shifts, infections, fibroadenomas, or fibrocystic disease. Typically, smooth-edged lumps are non-cancerous, though biopsies may be necessary for confirmation. Additional symptoms to watch for are:

Advanced symptoms include nipple retraction, asymmetrical breast enlargement, skin dimpling, increasing lump size, vaginal pain, unexplained weight loss, visible varicose veins on the breast, and enlarged lymph nodes. When suspicious, imaging tests like mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRIs help confirm diagnosis. Treatment options depend on cancer stage and patient health, commonly involving surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or hormone therapy.