There are several types of breast cancer, and they all have different symptoms. This can make it difficult to know when you might be at risk of developing the condition. Even once you know, it can be hard to know what to do about it. That’s why understanding as much as possible about breast cancer is so important.
The sooner you learn about it, the sooner you can take steps to manage it and safeguard yourself in the future. The first step in protecting yourself from breast cancer is knowing what that entails. Keep reading to learn more about this medical condition.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
The symptoms of breast cancer can be different in every woman. But they usually include a lump in your breast, a change in the way your breast feels, or changes in your nipple, skin, or areola.
Before you worry about all these symptoms, you should first be aware of the different types of breast cancer. If you have any of these symptoms, then you should get immediate medical attention by finding a hospital that specializes in medical oncology.
You should also talk to your doctor about getting a breast cancer screening test. You should consult your doctor if you notice any of the below symptoms to better understand what could be happening and what you should do next.
- A lump in your breast
- A change in the way your breast feels
- A change in the color, shape, or size of your breast lump
- Nipple, skin, or areola changes
- A discharge from your breast
- A pain in your breast
- A change in your breast size
- A change in your nipple shape
Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
Here are some ways that doctors use to diagnose breast cancer.
A Physical Exam
During this exam, your doctor will look at your breasts and examine them for any signs of breast cancer. They can also feel any lumps or abnormalities.
A Mammogram
In this test, your doctor will use a special machine to examine your breasts. The images it captures can help them see if there are any abnormalities or if there is dense breast tissue.
If you have breast cancer, then your doctor will discuss your diagnosis with you and explain the treatment options. They may also recommend a follow-up exam to check for changes in your breast. You can also talk to other women who have been through the same thing and learn what you can from their experiences.
5 Breast Cancer Stages
Stage 0 is non-invasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Furthermore, Stages I to IV are used for invasive breast cancer. These stages provide information about cancer. The doctor will plan the treatment based on the stage of the patient.
Treatment for Breast Cancer
The treatment for breast cancer depends on the type of cancer you have, the stage of the disease, and the size of the tumor. If the disease is caught early and has not metastasized, then you may need chemo and/or radiation therapy.
You may need surgery to remove some of your breast if the tumor is very large or if there are other complications. Some of the treatments for breast cancer are- hormone therapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and surgery.
Conclusion
It is important to protect yourself from this disease by knowing what signs to look for and what to do if you have them. Once you know what those symptoms are, you can take steps to prevent their occurrence and protect yourself from developing breast cancer. There are various hospitals in India where you can get treatment for breast cancer. You can search for the best cancer hospital in Bangalore, Mumbai, or any other city you live in if you need a doctor consultation.
