Decoding the 5 Most Common Breast Concerns
Breast health is incredibly important for women of all ages. Recognizing and understanding the most common breast symptoms and their potential relationship to breast cancer risk is essential for early detection and timely intervention. Because, after all, early detection really is important with breast cancer - with an early stage diagnosis, women survive more than 99% of the time, but with a late stage (4) diagnosis, the survival rate drops to under 30%. In this blog, we will discuss the top 5 breast symptoms and how they relate to breast cancer, so you can be best equipped to know when to seek help.
1. Breast Lumps
One of the most well-known and concerning breast symptoms is the presence of breast lumps. Lumps can vary in size, texture, and tenderness and are most often related to fibroadenomas, cysts, or normal variations in the breast tissue called fibrocystic changes. While not all breast lumps are cancerous, they can be an early indication of breast cancer. The risk associated with breast lumps depends on factors such as their size, consistency, and any accompanying symptoms.
Breast Cancer Risk: Lumps that are large, irregularly shaped, or painless are more likely to be cancerous. It's essential to consult a healthcare professional if you discover any new or unusual lumps in your breast tissue, as early detection can greatly improve treatment outcomes.
2. Nipple Changes
Nipple changes can be normal and may be related to hormonal fluctuations, medications, or irritants in the environment. The most common nipple changes include:
- Nipple Discharge: While many cases of nipple discharge are non-cancerous, it can be a sign of an underlying problem, including breast cancer. Spontaneous nipple discharge, especially if it is bloody, occurs without squeezing the nipple, and is only on one side, should be investigated.
- Inverted Nipples: Most people with flat or inverted nipples are born this way. However, if your nipple suddenly changes or inverts, it can be a sign of an underlying problem, including breast cancer. It is very important to let your healthcare provider know.
Breast Cancer Risk: Nipple changes can sometimes be associated with breast cancer, although they can also have benign (non-cancer related) causes. Prompt medical attention is essential to determine the underlying cause.
3. Breast Pain
Breast pain, or mastalgia, is a common breast symptom experienced by many individuals. It can be constant or only occur occasionally, and can be described as stabbing, burning, throbbing, sharp, or feeling tender. It can be related to various factors, including hormonal changes, benign (non-cancer related) breast conditions, diet, or breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Risk: In most cases, breast pain is not directly linked to breast cancer. However, persistent and unexplained breast pain should be discussed with your healthcare provider to rule out any underlying concerns.
4. Skin Changes
Most skin changes on or around the breast are related to benign (non-cancer related) causes. However skin changes can also be an indicator that something is wrong. Some common skin-related symptoms include:
- Redness or Rash: Persistent redness, rash, or pitting of the breast skin may be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer, a rare but aggressive form of the disease.
- Dimpling or Puckering: The appearance of dimples or puckers on the breast skin, often resembling an orange peel, should be evaluated promptly.
Breast Cancer Risk: Cancer can cause inflammation within the skin cells of the breast which can lead to texture changes. It's crucial to seek medical attention when skin changes are observed.
5. Changes in Breast Size or Shape
Differences in the size or shape of breasts, also called breast asymmetry, is very common. However any sudden or persistent change to your normal appearance should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Breast Cancer Risk: While not all changes indicate cancer, they can be a sign of an underlying issue, including breast cancer.
Every person's breasts are unique! What seems normal for one person might not be the same for another. What's considered "normal" can also vary depending on factors like your monthly period, having a baby and breastfeeding, getting older and going through menopause, gaining or losing weight, and taking certain medications. Breast awareness (knowing how your breasts look and feel), and understanding the changes to watch for can help lead you to early detection, and early detection saves lives.
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Shelly Beckley is a dedicated healthcare professional with a strong background in oncology and over a decade of experience as a nurse practitioner. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, with direct experience in cancer care and patient advocacy. Her broad scope in breast health spans from counseling women who are at high-risk to the diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship in breast cancer. Shelly is passionate about improving healthcare outcomes and plays an active role in quality improvement initiatives for cancer care. She also leads the clinical team at Gabbi, a leading healthcare company working to make late-stage breast cancer obsolete.