Breast Changes To Look Out For
See a GP if you notice any of the following changes:
- a change in the size, outline or shape of your breast
- a change in the look or feel of the skin on your breast, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness
- a new lump, swelling, thickening or bumpy area in one breast or armpit that was not there before
Are There Any Risks Of Breast Cancer Self
Consider your breast cancer self-examination as a necessary precaution not an ultimate diagnosis. In some countries such as China and Russia, there was a sudden surge of unnecessary biopsies that turned out to be a huge waste of resources. Plus, many women suffered baseless physical and mental trauma such as stress over having cancer and blood loss because of surgeries.Bottomline: Dont panic at every little abnormality! Instead, seek multiple professional opinions before beginning a solid treatment.
Breast Cancer In Hindi
40 Breast cancer
40
Also Check: Questions To Ask Your Radiation Oncologist Breast Cancer
If The Cancer Comes Back
If cancer does return, your treatment options will depend on where it comes back, what treatments you’ve had before, and your current health and preferences. For more information, see Treatment of Recurrent Breast Cancer.
Its important to know that women who have had breast cancer can also still get other types of cancer, so its important to follow the American Cancer Society guidelines for the early detection of cancer, such as those for colorectal cancer and cervical cancer.
Women who have had breast cancer are actually at higher risk for certain other cancers. To learn more about the risks of second cancers, see Second Cancers After Breast Cancer.
How Do You Check Your Breasts For Lumps
Follow the below steps to help you check how to check breast cancer at home:-
- Stand in front of the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips, looking at your breasts. Skin that is dimpling, puckering or bulging.
- Raise your arms and look for the same changes as before.
- Examine your nipples in the mirror for any symptoms of fluid leaking from one or both of them .
- Keep your fingers flat and together while applying a firm, smooth touch to the first few finger pads of your hand. Make a quarter-sized circular motion with your hands.
- From your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage, cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side.
Recommended Reading: What Are Your Chances Of Getting Breast Cancer
Further Tests For Breast Cancer
If a diagnosis of breast cancer is confirmed, more tests will be needed to determine the stage and grade of the cancer, and to work out the best method of treatment.
If your cancer was detected through the NHS Breast Screening Programme, youâll have further tests in the screening centre before being referred for treatment.
Stage 1 Breast Cancer
Stage 1 2 Mammography Sonography surgery , chemotherapy , radiation hormonal therapy Stage 1 Surgery Chemotharapy 95% :
You May Like: How To Reduce The Risk Of Breast Cancer Naturally
Inflammatory Breast Cancer Program At Ctca
Thats why we developed the CTCA Inflammatory Breast Cancer Program, where our team of breast cancer experts work quickly to properly diagnose and stage each patientâs disease so she can make more informed decisions about her treatment options. Our breast cancer experts collaborate daily, allowing them to reach a diagnosis more efficiently and provide an individualized care plan designed to allow you to start treatment as soon as possible. The team also offers opportunities to enroll qualified patients in carefully selected clinical trials in areas such as immunotherapy and genomically targeted chemotherapy.
If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of IBC and want to schedule an appointment for diagnostic testing, or chat online with a member of our team.
Ask Your Doctor For A Survivorship Care Plan
Talk with your doctor about developing a survivorship care plan for you. This plan might include:
- A summary of your diagnosis, the tests that were done, and the treatment you received
- A suggested schedule for follow-up exams and tests
- A schedule for other tests you might need in the future, such as early detection tests for other types of cancer, or tests to look for long-term health effects from the breast cancer or its treatment
- A list of possible late- or long-term side effects from your treatment, including what to watch for and when you should contact your doctor
- Diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle modification suggestions
Don’t Miss: Do You Lose Weight When You Have Breast Cancer
Stand Up Or Sit In A Straight Posture And Repeat Step 3
Just as what you did in step 3, use firm, gentle pressure to feel your breasts on both sides with the exact circular pattern while standing or sitting on a chair. Remember, you need to maintain a straight posture.
Look for any lumps, hardened knots, thickening of the skin, and other changes.
Pro tip You might find it easier to combine steps 3 and 4 while taking a shower.
Things You Can Do For Breast Cancer Awareness Month
1. Get EducatedFirst things first. Do your research! Did you know about 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime? Its important to learn what breast cancer is, how it can affect you, the different types, how to prevent breast cancer, and what you should do.
In short, breast cancer is a disease where cells rapidly grow in your breast that can form a tumour. This can affect you physically, mentally, socially, emotionally, and more. Although women over 40 years old are at higher risk, there is still a possibility for younger women having risk factors.
Its important to also be informed of possible symptoms, such as lumps, nipple discharge, swelling of breast, irritation, and more. These can be signs to look out for to prevent the disease from spreading.
Do your research about breast cancer and what you can do to prevent it! Learn more here: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/about-breast-cancer/
2. Do your regular check-ups
Like stated above, even though you may not be at high risk of developing breast cancer at the moment, it is still important to do regular screenings.
It is recommended for women to get check-ups every 2 years at the clinic. However, there are ways to do more frequent screenings at home, such as paying attention to your breasts, feeling for lumps, etc. This is a great way to be mindful of your breasts and detect any concerns right away.
3. Buy from brands that help support the cause
Participate or volunteer at a run/walk marathon
Don’t Miss: How Is Breast Cancer Treated In Early Stages
Inspection While Lying Down
As you lay down the tissues of your breast spread off evenly. So one can feel the changes especially if one has heavy breasts. You need to lie down and then put a pillow under your right shoulder. Place the right arm behind your head. Again, by applying the pads of your fingers press the different parts of the tissue and under your arm. Next put the pillow on the other side and check the armpit and breast.
What To Do If You Notice Something Askew
Dont panic. Changes in breast tissue, including lumps and dimpling, are often benign . In fact, eight out of 10 lumps are not cancerous. Changes may occur from hormonal fluctuations, cysts, calcification or another benign breast condition. You should make an appointment with your doctor for further evaluation to rule out breast cancer or another health condition that requires treatment.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
Get the CNET Health and Wellness newsletter
- More From CNET
Recommended Reading: What Environmental Risk Factors Exist For Breast Cancer
You May Like: What’s The Mortality Rate For Breast Cancer
What Are The Breast Cancer Stages
Staging helps describe how much cancer is in your body. Its determined by several factors, including the size and location of the tumor and whether the cancer has spread to other areas of your body. The basic breast cancer stages are:
- Stage 0. The disease is non-invasive. This means it hasnt broken out of your breast ducts.
- Stage I. The cancer cells have spread to the nearby breast tissue.
- Stage II. The tumor is either smaller than 2 centimeters across and has spread to underarm lymph nodes or larger than 5 centimeters across but hasnt spread to underarm lymph nodes. Tumors at this stage can measure anywhere between 2 to 5 centimeters across, and may or may not affect the nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage III. At this stage, the cancer has spread beyond the point of origin. It may have invaded nearby tissue and lymph nodes, but it hasnt spread to distant organs. Stage III is usually referred to as locally advanced breast cancer.
- Stage IV. The cancer has spread to areas away from your breast, such as your bones, liver, lungs or brain. Stage IV breast cancer is also called metastatic breast cancer.
Cancer Information In Hindi
, , PDFs
, –
The following American Cancer Society information is available in Hindi, along with their English translations. These PDFs are free to download and print to share with your patients or loved ones.
This information is intended for people living in the United States who may have a primary language other than English. Cancer risk factors, screening tests, and treatments can vary from country to country.
Read Also: What Is The Breast Cancer Gene Called
How Is Breast Cancer Diagnosed
Magnetic resonance imaging may be used to diagnose breast cancer.
Doctors often use additional tests to find or diagnose breast cancer. They may refer women to a breast specialist or a surgeon. This does not mean that she has cancer or that she needs surgery. These doctors are experts in diagnosing breast problems.
- Breast ultrasound. A machine that uses sound waves to make detailed pictures, called sonograms, of areas inside the breast.
- Diagnostic mammogram. If you have a problem in your breast, such as lumps, or if an area of the breast looks abnormal on a screening mammogram, doctors may have you get a diagnostic mammogram. This is a more detailed X-ray of the breast.
- Magnetic resonance imaging . A kind of body scan that uses a magnet linked to a computer. The MRI scan will make detailed pictures of areas inside the breast.
- Biopsy. This is a test that removes tissue or fluid from the breast to be looked at under a microscope and do more testing. There are different kinds of biopsies .
Also Check: Where Does Triple Negative Breast Cancer Metastasis To
Diagnosis Of Breast Cancer
Diagnosis is the process of finding out the cause of a health problem. Diagnosing breast cancer usually begins when you find a lump in your breast or a screening mammography suggests a problem with the breast. Your doctor will ask you about any symptoms you have and do a physical exam. Based on this information, your doctor may refer you to a specialist or order tests to check for breast cancer or other health problems.
The process of diagnosis may seem long and frustrating. Its normal to worry, but try to remember that other health conditions can cause similar symptoms as breast cancer. Its important for the healthcare team to rule out other reasons for a health problem before making a diagnosis of breast cancer.
The following tests are usually used to rule out or diagnose breast cancer. Many of the same tests used to diagnose cancer are used to find out the stage . Your doctor may also order other tests to check your general health and to help plan your treatment.
You May Like: What Stage Is Grade 3 Breast Cancer
Stages Of Breast Cancer
It is possible for the doctor to predict the stage of cancer by checking the size of the tumour and by checking if it has spread to lymph or any other body parts.
Usually, the stages range from 0 to 4. Every stage has some subcategory as well. Every substage has certain characteristics of a tumour.
Stage 0
Also known as ductal carcinoma in situ. The cancerous cells are within ducts and can spread to tissues around them.
Stage 1
The tumour is up to 2 cm across. It usually does not affect any of the lymph nodes or there are other sorts of small groups of cancer cells in lymph nodes.
Stage 2
This tumour is 2 cm. It spreads to all the nearby nodes. It is 2 to 5 cm long and spreads to the other lymph nodes.
Stage 3
The tumour is 5 cm and spreads to other lymph nodes as well. The tumour is more than 5 cm in length and has spread to several other nodes or lymph nodes.
Stage 4
Cancer easily spreads to other distant organs like bones, liver and even the brain or lungs.
Mammograms Are Your Best Hope
The first thing you should know about breast self-examsthey should NOT replace mammograms. Mammography is still the single most effective screening test for breast cancer known today. A mammogram is simply an X-ray of your breast tissue that tells your doctor if you have early warning signs of cancer.
You should have an annual mammogram beginning at age 40, but you should begin earlier if breast cancer runs in your family or you are in a high-risk group.
Also Check: How Can You Feel Breast Cancer
Introduction To Breast Cancer
The breast is made up of tissues starting from fatty to dense ones. There is a network of lobes and every lobe is made of tiny and tube sort of forms known as lobules. These lobules consist of milk glands. There are tiny ducts that connect the lobes and help carry milk from lobes to nipples.
Cancer occurs when the cells of the breast change and grow to form a tumour.
Breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body through blood vessels and/ or lymph vessels. There are different stages of breast cancer that determines how much cancer has spread in the body.
Breast cancer can spread to nearby lymph but it can also spread to other areas such as the lungs, liver, brain and bones. This usually happens at the most advanced stage of cancer. Breast cancer can occur again and can recur again in the same breast or some other parts of the body.
What Happens If I Find A Lump
“If a person feels a new lump in their breasts, they should absolutely inform their physician,” says Fishman. If you discover some symptoms, breast changes that concern you, or changes that persist after your menstrual cycle, see a doctor for evaluation.
Younger women are more likely to have dense breasts, the appearance of having more dense tissue than fatty tissue in the breast when viewed on a mammogram. This is a risk factor for breast cancer because dense tissue can hide cancers. The difference between a lump and having dense breasts is that dense breast tissue will often feel rubbery and usually without discrete edges around, says Abe.
“Not all breast lumps are indicative of breast cancer,” says Fishman. Most lumps are usually not cancer, and the most common benign and non-cancerous lumps are cysts and fibroadenomas.
According to Abe, “cancerous lumps are rarely painful, while benign, non-cancerous lumps can be painful. Still, not all lumps feel the same, so notify your doctor of any breast mass that doesn’t feel normal. If you find a lump, the next step is to get a mammogram or ultrasound to better characterize it, she says.
You May Like: Can You Get Breast Cancer At 13