Breast cancer is one of the leading cause of death in women. Lumps is the first warning sign of a tumour, but apart from it, here few other symptoms one must be aware of.
Breast cancer is a leading cause death globally. As per a recent ICMR study, breast cancer cases and deaths are expected to rise in India by 2045.As per ICMR, breast cancer cases account for 28.2 per cent of all female cancers in India in 2022. The five-year survival rate for breast cancer in India is 66.4 per cent. Having awareness is essential to be able to identify any symptom and get it treated as soon as possible. October is celebrated as breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in India. With a high mortality rate, it is a major public health concern in the country.
While the most common presentation in breast cancer is a lump in the breast, it can occur even without any noticeable symptoms.
Breast cancer symptoms
“Although most common presentation in breast cancer is lump in the breast, it can also present as swelling or lumps under the arm or near the collarbone, nipple discharge (clear, bloody, or yellowish), changes in skin over breast (dimpled, thickened, or appear like an orange peel),” Dr. Abhishek Shankar, Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Dr BR Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital at AIIMS, Delhi, told IANS.
“Redness or rash over skin over breast or nipple, inverted nipple, changes in breast size and shape and pain in breast” are also symptoms of the deadly cancer, the doctor added.
Breast cancer can be early detected and early diagnosed. It can be early detected with screening tests and mammography is the standard recommended screening test that gives mortality advantage. As per the United States Preventive Services Task Force updated guidelines in 2024, it is recommended to start at 40 years of age after every 2 years.
Common signs and symptoms, apart from breast lumps, include changes in the shape or contour of the breasts, making mirror examinations useful.
“Skin changes, such as redness and pain, are common when the tumour grows towards the skin. Generalised symptoms like unexplained weight loss, back pain, or pain in the upper right side of the abdomen may be present in metastatic cancers,” Sehra said.
Breast cancer prevention
“In high-risk individuals, chemoprophylaxis with hormonal tablets can help to reduce the risk but it is not advocated in general as it’s not cost-effective and also has side effects,” Shankar said. The experts also recommended genetic testing in case of family history.
Other ways to prevent the risk include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, with a diet rich in fibre and antioxidants, while avoiding alcohol and red meat.
(With IANS Inputs)