10 Early Signs of Breast Cancer Every Woman Should Know (Beyond the Lump)

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that in 2024, breast cancer caused an estimated 694 000 deaths globally. It was the most common cancer in women in 164 countries out of 186 in the same year. Meanwhile, the Breast Cancer Organization estimates that 1 in 8 (13%) women in the United States will develop breast cancer in their life.

Breast cancer is the most common breast cancer diagnosed in women in the United States and the world. In 2023, about 2.3 million new breast cancer cases were diagnosed globally. Why is breast cancer common, what are the signs and how can you prevent it.

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What are 10 Warning Signs of Breast Cancer?

If you see these signs, you need to consult the doctor quickly.

1. A New Lump Underarm or Breast

A lump underarm or in the breast is one of the most common signs of breast cancer. The lumps are hard, painless, and have irregular edges. 

2. Swelling of Breast Tissue

When you notice that your breast tissue is thickening and swelling, it’s an indication of an underlying problem. In this case, a lump might not present itself, but will be accompanied by other symptoms such as skin changes.

3. Swollen Lymph Nodes

If you notice your lymph nodes underneath the arms or near the collarbone, it could be a symptom of breast cancer. 

4. Skin Irritation or Dimpling

If your skin starts resembling an orange pill or skin dimpling, you should get tested for breast cancer. It’s an indication of changes beneath the skin, and should be checked immediately.

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5. Changes in Breast Texture

A hardened sensation or a thick skin around your breast signals an underlying problem. These changes accompany other breast cancer symptoms and should lead you to seek a medical evaluation.

6. Redness or Flaky Skin

Red, flaky, or scaly skin on the breast or around the nipple might be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer. 

7. Breast Pain

While many women would report breast pain due to hormonal changes or during their menstrual cycle, any persistent pain shouldn’t be overlooked.  

8. Pain or Retraction on the Nipple

If your nipple begins to turn inward or experience some pain, you should test for breast cancer. These signs might emerge from tumors underlying the tissues.

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9. Unusual Nipple Discharge

A bloody discharge from the nipple without sneezing signals breast cancer. Don’t overlook this symptom. 

10. Change in Breast Size and Shape

If your breast size changes suddenly, it indicates a potential problem, likely, breast cancer. It can be difficult to observe this, but if you do, prioritize a checkup immediately.

Why is Breast Cancer Common?

The number of women diagnosed with breast cancer remains high. These are some of the reasons that are contributing to higher numbers.

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Late Screeing 

Women who don’t seek early screening fail to get an early detection. As such, those who have the illness or predisposed might fail to get a diagnosis early to treat the condition.

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Hormone Replacement Therapy

Many women use hormone replacement therapy to reduce menopause symptoms. Unfortunately, these therapies increase the risk of hormone-driven breast cancer. These therapies prescribe oestrogen and progesterone which increase the risk of breast cancer.

Aging

As you grow older, you are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Most women are diagnosed after the age of 50. The positive thing is that breast cancer isn’t as aggressive.

Family History

If your family has a history of breast cancer, you are at a high risk of getting the illness. A family history of breast cancer could be due to an inherited genetic mutation or exposure to environmental toxins or pollutants. 

Lifestyle Choices

Many people live a sedentary lifestyle, so they sit a lot and engage in little physical activity. This leads to other health issues like weight gain which also lead to other complications. 

Moreover, drinking alcohol contributes to developing breast cancer, together with having a poor diet which leads to high body weight and increased inflammation, which can increase a person’s risk for breast cancer.  

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What are the 4 Types of Breast Cancer?

 The four types of breast cancer include: 

Ductal and lobular carcinoma

The brain contains ducts and lobules. The ducts are thin tubes that carry milk toward the nipples. Lobules are a small sac where the milk is made.

• Ductal carcinomas manifest through forming solid clusters or tubes of cells, similar to the shape of a duct.
• Lobular carcinomas manifest through growing in single-file lines or spread out, rather than forming a cluster. This happens because the cancer cells lose a protein that normally holds cells together.

In situ vs. invasive breast cancer

• In situ breast cancer, also called carcinoma in situ or CIS, grows within the lining layer of cells where it started, but it isn’t growing into (invading) deeper layers of the breast.
• Invasive (or infiltrating) breast cancer describes any type of breast cancer that has invaded deeper layers of breast tissue.

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