Breast cancer refers to a malignant tumour (a collection of cancer cells) that arises from the breast cells. Its effect and complications can influence every part of the body. After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed among women. Breast cancer can occur both in men and women. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the signs and symptoms to seek immediate medical attention and breast cancer treatment in Pune. 

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer signs and symptoms include:

• A lump in the breast or armpit
• Nipple discharge 
• Inverted nipple
• Dimples over the breast skin
• Severe pain in the chest or nipple
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpit
• Irregular change in the shape and size of the breasts and nipple
• In many cases, breast cancer can also be symptom-free. Regular health checkups and self-examination are crucial to prevent breast cancer or diagnose the stages of breast cancer and treat them on its initial stage.

What causes breast cancer?

Healthy breast cells become cancerous due to mutations in the DNA. Proto-oncogenes allow the breast cells to grow. In case these cells are mutated, it will enable the cells to grow without any control. This uncontrollable cell growth leads to cancer, and although many breast cancer cases are inherited, specific changes in the DNA can mutate the breast cells causing cancer in one’s breast.

What are the risk factors of breast cancer?

• Age: As we get older, the changes in breast cells can make a person susceptible to breast cancer.
• Family history: Women having a family history of breast cancer among sister, mother, or daughter are prone to breast cancer and doubles the risk.
• Personal history: In case a woman develops cancer in one of her breasts, it increases the risk of cancer in the other breast.
• Menstruation: Women who got her periods at a younger age (before age 10-12) and women who suffered early menopause (before age 55) are at slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer.
• Breast tissue: Women with denser breast tissue have a higher risk of breast cancer.
• Exposure to radiation around the chest region during specific treatment procedures increases the risk of cancer among women.
• Delivering a baby after the age 30 or unable to conceive also makes a woman susceptible to breast cancer risks.
• Obesity: Although at different rates, but women suffering from obesity have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. 
• Alcohol consumption: A recent study concluded that women who drink alcohol, regardless of the proportion, are at increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Note: Breastfeeding for one and a half or two years slightly lower the risk of breast cancer. 

Regular exercise can also minimize the risk of developing breast cancer both in men and women.
If you are looking for the best breast surgeon in Pune, visit Deccan Clinic, and our experts shall help you through the cancer consultation and treatment procedures. Book your appointment today.