Most deaths related to cancer among women are due to breast cancer and it is very unfortunate to know that 1 in every 8 women gets affected by breast cancer in the United States. Surprisingly, breast cancer can also occur in men, the symptoms of which are almost the same as in women! 

Although genetics is one possible cause of breast cancer, sometimes, fluctuations in hormones and changes in lifestyle can also make a person susceptible to the disease. Women who are above 50 years of age are at a much higher risk and it is very unusual for women to develop breast cancer in their teens or twenties. 

Surprisingly, women who are overweight are at a higher risk of breast cancer compared to others. Know the 7 days GM diet plan to help you manage your body weight and put yourselves in a safe zone. 

Since we cannot stop the occurrence of breast cancer, the only measure we can take is to keep an eye on the changes that occur in our body so that we do not fall prey to it when it is too late to get rid of it! 

So, here are some prominent alert signs that are to be noticed. 

• Pain in Breast 

It is very difficult to identify breast cancer at an early stage as the symptoms are very subtle and they often go unnoticed. As the skin cells of the breast start exhibiting an abnormal activity by multiplying in their number, the changes show up in the form of pain. 

Not all pains occur due to breast cancer. Pain in the breast can also occur due to changes in hormones, clothes that are too tight and congested in the chest region, fibrocystic changes, an infection of milk ducts (which causes pain during breastfeeding), menopause, pregnancy, unhealthy diet, smoking, certain medications or breast surgery. 

You can get to a conclusion by observing the symptoms much closely. If you can also feel tenderness in the breast region along with other symptoms mentioned below, you might have to give it a second thought. 

• A Lump in the Breast 

A lump in the breast is a really serious consideration and should be immediately taken to the doctor’s notice. But, lumps may also occur due to another common cause called fibroadenoma. A lump caused due to fibroadenoma is non-cancerous and completely harmless. It may disappear on its own. You can also choose to get it removed using various treatment methods. 

Feeling a lump in the breast may not always be due to breast cancer but there is a possibility. If you have been observing a pain associated with the lump, along with some other significant changes in and around the breast which have been discussed below, chances are high for it to be breast cancer. 

• Changes in the armpit region 

Lymph nodes or lymph glands are an important part of the immune system which can fight bacteria and viruses. Lymph nodes are present in the arm-pit region and various other parts of the body. 

A swollen lymph node is an indication of an underlying infection but in some cases, a swollen lymph node in the armpit region can also be an indication of breast cancer. 

If you observe any significant changes in your breast region and an armpit with a swollen lymph node on the same side of the affected breast, it means that cancer has spread from the region of origin to the next possible region. 

However, a swollen lymph node in the armpit region is not a symptom of breast cancer all the time. It can also be other temporary infections that might possibly disappear within a few days. 

• Changes in the skin region surrounding the breasts 

Breast cancer results in some significant changes to the breast. Redness and inflammation of breast could be one indication but this can also be due to a rare type of cancer called IBS (Inflammatory breast cancer). 

However, if any changes appear around the skin of breast-like a reddish skin with a bruised appearance or changes like itching, flaky skin or nipples that are inverted (nipple turned inwards), one must consult the doctor. Other possible causes of an inverted nipple are an infection of the mammary gland (mastitis), infection in the breast or breast surgery. 

Itchy skin around the breast can also be due to dryness of the skin or eczema. 

If you notice the appearance of warts around the skin, do not panic. Warts are usually benign. Here is everything you need to know about warts. 

• Discharge from Nipples 

Discharge from nipples is common and there are many health conditions associated with it. Milky discharge is common to occur in women who are breastfeeding or an infection in the breast or nipple can cause a white fluid discharge. 

In some rare cases, hypothyroidism can also cause nipple discharge. In some people, the intake of birth control pills or certain other medications can also show the symptom. So, a nipple that leaks should always not be mistaken with breast cancer. 

However, it is always safe to consult a doctor whenever you see a nipple discharge! 

Breast cancer symptoms are difficult to identify during the early stages but if you have been observing any of the above-mentioned symptoms lately, know that these are the alert signs that should be reconsidered.