Breast cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the cells of the breast. It is the second most diagnosed cancer in women resident in the United States. It is more common with women, but can manifest in men. Early detection of cancer, to a large extent, helps in saving the lives of patients. Breast cancer varies from the early stage, where treatment is effective, to a metaststic stage where it spreads to other parts of the body.

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer

A breast lump. This usually feels abnormal from other surrounding tissues of the breast. The lump may also be found in your underarm. Lumps usually persist after menstrual periods. The lumps are usually painless. Mammograms can help to discover lumps long before they become visible on the skin.
Swollen armpit.
Lumps are usually painless; however, if you notice pain or tenderness in your breast, this may be a sign of cancer.
A conspicuous indentation or flattening of the breast
Abnormal mammogram (the use of x-rays to diagnose and detect breast tumors through the process of mammography)
Reddish appearance of the breast's skin
Nipple discharges which may be bloody, clear or any other color
Noticeable change in the skin of the breast.
Sudden inversion of the nipples
The areola (skin surrounding the nipple) or breast skin begins to peel, scale or flake.
Contact your doctor once you notice a lump. There are certain cases where a recent mammogram may seem normal but you feel the presence of a lump in your breast, You should also see your doctor.


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Causes of cancer

The root cause of cancer is not clear; however, doctors know that cancer begins when some breast cells begin a normal growth and divide more quickly than normal cells and start to accumulate, forming a mass. These cells may spread through your breast to other parts of the body.
Doctors believe that about 5 - 10 of cancers are genetically transmitted. Your doctor may identify genes in your family line through a blood test. You may also ask your doctor to refer you to a genetic counselor who can help analyse your family's history of cancer.

Risk factor

women are more likely to develop cancer than men
age: your risk of coming down with breast cancer increases as you grow older
Family history may increase your risk of getting breast cancer. It should be noted that majority of those diagnosed with breast cancer had no family history of breast cancer.
inherited genes. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most common gene mutation that can transmiit along family lines.
Radiation treatments to the chest region may increase your chances of breast cancer
alcohol usage
Women who have never had a pregnancy are more likely to develop breast cancer compared to women who have had one or more pregnancies.
obesity
Women who give birth to their first child after the age of 35 years
When your period begins before age 12
Women who go through hormone therapy that combines estrogen and progesterone for the treatment of menopause may have a risk factor.
Women with breast cancer may have a medical appointment with any of the following health practitioners:
a primary care doctor
plastic surgeons
radiation oncologist (doctors who specialize in treating cancer)
radiologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnostic tests like mammogram)
breast surgeon
breast health specialist

Preparing for an appointment

pen down any symptoms you had earlier felt or experienced
pen down any family history of cancer
write down relevant personal information
write down any medication you have had or having
take along records related to your cancer diagnosis and treatment
take someone along with you, who may help you absorb any information you may miss.
write down your questions

Diagnosis

The following may be used to test or diagnose cancer:
Breast examination
Mammogram
Breast ultrasound: The use of sound waves to form images of the inner structure of the body
Biopsy: This is the extraction of breast cells for testing
Breast magnetic imaging resonance (MRI): This involves the use of an MRI machine which contains magnets and radio waves to determine the inner structuring of the breast.
Depending on patients condition, other diagnosis methods may be employed.

Treatment

Numerous treatment options are available for cancer, depending on your condition. The following are some treatment options:
Lumpectomy: This involves the removal of the tumor and a tiny section of healthy breast cells. It is carried out in cases where the tumor is small.
Mastectomy: This is the removal of all of the breast tissue.
Radiation therapy: This is the use of a machine, such as an x-ray, that has a high-powered energy beam to destroy the cancerous cells.
Chemotherapy: This is the use of drugs to destroy cancerous cells. Doctors use this option if the cancer has a high tendency of recurring or spreading to other parts of your body. It is also used in women whose cancer have spread to other parts of the body. Depending on the type of chemotherapy drugs used, the side effects may include loss of hair, fatigue, vomiting and a high susceptibility to infection. Rare side effects include infertility, heart, nerve and kidney damage and very rarely ,cancer of blood cells.

Hormone therapy

This treatment option is used for treating cancers that are sensitive to hormones. It is used to limit the chances of cancer returning after surgery, It can also be used to control or shrink cancerous cells that have spread to other parts of the body.

Targeted treatment

This is the use of certain drugs which attack the target abnormality in the cancerous cell.

Studies have shown that a lot of breast cancer survivors undergo fatigue during and after treatment. The following, in consultation with your doctor, may help to ameliorate fatigue
mild exercise
techniques such as muscle relaxation which help to reduce stress
spending time with people you love
engaging in activities that help you express your feelings.

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thank you for this information but pls I'm feeling some pain in my right breast, no redness, no tenderness no lump but what I noticed is that if I touch it, it wouldn't pain much but if I didn't touch it, I will feel the pain sometimes. I've seen a doctor but he advised me to stop sleeping on my belly yet, dea haven't been any changes. pls, does that mean I have cancer

Ashiat39:
thank you for this information but pls I'm feeling some pain in my right breast, no redness, no tenderness no lump but what I noticed is that if I touch it, it wouldn't pain much but if I didn't touch it, I will feel the pain sometimes. I've seen a doctor but he advised me to stop sleeping on my belly yet, dea haven't been any changes. pls, does that mean I have cancer

Madam, kindly go for a comprehensive diagnosis. Please, assume not.

Ashiat39:
thank you for this information but pls I'm feeling some pain in my right breast, no redness, no tenderness no lump but what I noticed is that if I touch it, it wouldn't pain much but if I didn't touch it, I will feel the pain sometimes. I've seen a doctor but he advised me to stop sleeping on my belly yet, dea haven't been any changes. pls, does that mean I have cancer

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. The pain you feel is a symptom of an underlying problem. You need a proper medical examination to find out what it is. I will suggest you book an appointment with an oncologist or a breast health specialist for detailed tests and examination. Now is the time to take some action.