Breast cancer symptoms: What are they? Why is awareness important?

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What you need to know about breast cancer symptoms

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer today, and it is a disease that can largely be managed with early diagnosis. For this reason, gaining awareness about how the disease develops, which risk factors it is associated with, and the symptoms of breast cancer that help detect it at an early stage is extremely important in facilitating early diagnosis in the face of a possible risk.

In this article, we address the topics people are most curious about, from the development process of breast cancer to its symptoms, from diagnostic methods to treatment options.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that occurs as a result of uncontrolled growth of cells in the breast, and it usually develops in the cells that form structures such as milk ducts or lobules. Normally, cells in the body grow, multiply, and die in a certain order. However, when this balance is disrupted, cells begin to multiply uncontrollably and may form a tumor over time.

These tumors can be benign or malignant. However, when breast cancer is mentioned, malignant tumors are usually referred to, because these cells can spread to surrounding tissues and metastasize to different parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic system. This spread of malignant tumors in the body is called metastasis.

What causes breast cancer?

Breast cancer occurs as a result of changes in the genetic structure of cells in the breast. These changes cause cells to lose control over their growth and multiplication. However, this process is usually not due to a single cause; it develops over time with the combination of multiple risk factors.

One of the most important factors in the development of breast cancer is genetic predisposition. Having a history of breast cancer in first-degree relatives, especially the mother or sister, may increase the risk.

Hormonal factors also play an important role. Prolonged exposure to the hormone estrogen may cause breast cells to be stimulated more. Situations such as early onset of menstruation, late menopause, not having children, or having the first childbirth at an older age may increase this exposure.

The risk increases with age. Although breast cancer can occur at any age, it is most commonly seen in middle age and later. In addition, lifestyle can also be a determining factor. The following factors may increase the risk:

• Excess weight and obesity
• Lack of regular physical activity
• Alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• Unhealthy and unbalanced dietary habits

Having these factors does not necessarily mean that breast cancer will develop, and the disease can also occur without any risk factors. Therefore, it is important to consult a specialist for individual risk assessment and an appropriate screening plan.

Breast cancer symptoms

Breast cancer symptoms may vary from person to person, and in the early stages of the disease, there may often be no obvious complaints. For this reason, waiting only for a symptom such as pain can be misleading.

Although the most commonly noticed symptom is a new lump in the breast or underarm, there are also various other changes to be aware of. The main symptoms that may be seen in breast cancer are as follows:

• A hard lump or mass felt in the breast or underarm
• Noticeable change in the size or shape of the breast
• Redness, thickening, or an orange peel appearance on the breast skin
• Inward pulling of the nipple
• Spontaneous discharge from the nipple
• Crusting, sores, or irritation on or around the nipple
• Swelling in the underarm or enlargement of lymph nodes

If one or more of these symptoms are noticed, it is important to consult a specialist without delay. Evaluations and screening methods performed at an early stage can help manage the disease more easily.

What is inflammatory breast cancer?

Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare but aggressive subtype of breast cancer that tends to progress more rapidly than other types. In this disease, cancer cells block the lymph vessels in the breast, leading to fluid accumulation and an inflammation-like appearance in the area.

Unlike classic breast cancers, this type often does not form a distinct lump. Instead, it may present with more widespread and noticeable skin changes. In this respect, it differs from the typical lump finding mentioned earlier and can sometimes be confused with conditions such as mastitis.

The symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer usually develop quickly and may include:

• Sudden redness and increased warmth in the breast
• Thickening of the breast skin and an orange peel appearance
• Swelling, fullness, and tenderness in the breast
• Rapid increase in breast size or change in shape
• Flattening or inward pulling of the nipple
• Enlargement of lymph nodes in the underarm

Since inflammatory breast cancer can progress rapidly, early detection is critical. Therefore, if unusual changes in the breast develop over a short period, you should consult your doctor without delay.

What are the stages of breast cancer?

Breast cancer stages are a classification used to describe how far the disease has spread and which areas of the body it affects. This staging is determined based on criteria such as the size of the tumor, whether it has spread to lymph nodes, and whether it has metastasized to other parts of the body.

Staging is very important in determining the treatment plan and predicting the course of the disease. Breast cancer is generally staged from 0 to 4:

• Stage 0: Cancer cells have not yet spread beyond the milk ducts or lobules where they originated. There is no spread, and it is generally considered an early stage.
• Stage 1: The tumor is small and limited to a confined area. There is no spread to lymph nodes or it is very limited. It is considered early-stage breast cancer.
• Stage 2: The tumor may be larger, or limited spread to underarm lymph nodes may have begun. It is still one of the stages where treatment response is generally good.
• Stage 3: The tumor has reached a larger size and has spread to surrounding tissues or more lymph nodes. At this stage, the disease has not yet spread to distant organs.
• Stage 4: Cancer cells have spread beyond the breast and nearby areas to distant organs such as bones, lungs, liver, or brain. This is the most advanced stage of the disease.

This classification is important for providing an idea about the general course of the disease. On the other hand, it should be remembered that each patient’s condition is unique, and even among patients at the same stage, the course of the disease may differ. Therefore, staging alone is not sufficient; the biological characteristics of the tumor and the patient’s overall condition are also decisive in the treatment plan.

What methods are used for breast cancer treatment?

The methods used in breast cancer treatment are determined according to the stage of the disease, the biological characteristics of the tumor, and the person’s overall health condition. For this reason, the treatment plan is different for each patient and is usually created by combining more than one method.

The main methods used for breast cancer treatment are as follows:

• Surgical treatment: One of the most commonly used methods in breast cancer. It aims to remove the tumor tissue.
• Chemotherapy: A treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. It may be applied before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to eliminate remaining cells. In some cases, it may also be preferred as a standalone treatment.
• Radiotherapy (radiation therapy): Targeting cancer cells using high-energy rays. It is usually applied after surgery to destroy microscopic disease that may remain in the area.
• Hormone therapy: Some types of breast cancer are sensitive to hormones. In such cases, drugs that reduce the effect of hormones such as estrogen can be used to slow the progression of the disease.

Which treatment will be applied, when, and how is determined individually. Therefore, once diagnosed, it is necessary to consult a specialist to evaluate treatment options in detail.

In cases where breast loss occurs during breast cancer treatment, reconstruction of the lost breast is possible. You may also take a look at our related article: Breast Reconstruction After Breast Cancer

Does breast cancer cause death?

Breast cancer can be life-threatening if left untreated or diagnosed at an advanced stage. Therefore, the answer to the question “does breast cancer cause death?” varies depending on the stage, type of the disease, and response to treatment. However, today, thanks to early diagnosis and advanced treatment methods, many patients can live healthy lives for many years.

Early detection is one of the most important factors determining treatment success. In cancers limited to breast tissue and not yet spread, the response to treatment is usually quite good.

On the other hand, when the disease progresses and spreads to different parts of the body, the treatment process becomes more complex. In such cases, the goal may be to control the disease and prolong life rather than achieve a complete cure.

Can men get breast cancer?

Although rare, breast cancer can also occur in men. Since men also have a small amount of breast tissue, cellular changes in this area can turn into cancer over time. Although it is commonly known as a disease specific to women, awareness that it can also occur in men is important for early detection.

Breast cancer in men is usually seen at older ages, and diagnosis may be delayed because awareness of the possibility is often low. This delay can lead to the disease being detected at a more advanced stage. Therefore, changes in the breast area should be taken seriously.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer in men?

As mentioned in the previous section, men can also encounter this disease. Since it is rare, the symptoms of breast cancer in men may initially be overlooked or confused with other conditions. To prevent delays in diagnosis due to such confusion, awareness of the symptoms is important.

The symptoms that may be seen in breast cancer in men can be listed as follows:

• A hard area or lump in the breast region
• Inward pulling, deformity, or displacement of the nipple
• Discharge from the nipple
• Redness, thickening, sores, or crusting on the breast skin
• Sensitivity or rarely pain around the breast
• Swelling in the underarm or enlargement of lymph nodes

When symptoms are noticed, it is important to have the condition evaluated by a specialist without delay for early diagnosis and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age does breast cancer occur?

Although breast cancer can occur at any age, the likelihood increases with age. In other words, the disease can also develop at a young age. However, it is most commonly diagnosed in middle age and later. The risk begins to increase significantly especially after the age of 40 and continues to rise with advancing age.

Does breast cancer cause pain?

Breast cancer does not always cause pain. In fact, in most cases, there is no pain in the early stages, which shows that focusing only on pain can be misleading. Findings such as a lump, as mentioned earlier, are usually noticed without pain.

It should also be emphasized that pain felt in the breast does not always mean cancer. Hormonal changes, menstrual cycle, cysts, or musculoskeletal conditions, which are common in women, may also cause breast pain.

Which doctor should you see for breast cancer?

When there is a suspicion related to the breast, the first doctor to consult is usually a general surgeon. Since this specialty is central in the diagnosis and treatment of breast diseases, evaluation typically starts here when a lump, pain, or another change is noticed. As the process progresses, other specialties may be involved if needed.

Can breast cancer recur?

Breast cancer can recur after treatment. However, this is not the case for every patient. The likelihood of recurrence depends on the stage at initial diagnosis, the biological characteristics of the tumor, and the response to treatment. Therefore, while the disease may never return in some individuals, in others it may recur years later.