Cancer mortality rates have been reduced dramatically. The technology has enabled more accurate detection of cancer through screenings, and better treatment when it is found. Breast cancer is a rare disease that has a very low death rate of 2.6%. Nearly 3.8 millions women have survived it. Recognizing the symptoms is crucial to reducing cancer’s chances.
Breast Cancer Signs
A lump that protrudes from the breasts or armpits is one of the most common symptoms associated with breast cancer. Other symptoms include a rash or discharge from the nipple; changes in breast girth, color variations, persistent pain in the armpit or breast area, even after the period has stopped, and flaking skin.
A lump might not cause any pain. A new lump that appears should be taken to the doctor and further examined. A lump in the chest does not necessarily mean that it is cancer.
Why do women get breast cancer?
A person with healthy cells will be able to identify when an threatening cell tries to attack their body. It kills the cancerous cells before they can grow. This fight is not possible for a woman with breast cancer. Breast tissue cells are growing at dangerous levels. The cancer may spread throughout the body depending on its severity, starting at the milk ducts.
Breast Cancer Stages
The size of the breast cancer and its location within the body are ranked. Stages are given a number between 0 and 4.
Stage 0 is contained within the ducts and does not leak into the rest the body.
Stage 1 is characterized by a tumor that has not moved into the lymphatic nodes and can be as small as 2 centimeters.
The tumor can be as big as 5 centimeters in stage 2. It may have spread or not.
The tumor in Stage 3 breast cancer is less than 5 centimeters and has spread to several lymph nodes. Stage 3 is also a tumor larger than 5 centimeters and with some lymph nodes spread.
The diagnosis of stage 4 cancer can be a frightening one. This means that cancer has spread into vital organs such as the liver, lungs or brain.
You should consult your doctor if you notice any changes to your breasts.