Breast Cancer: These early signs should not be ignored
Created: 2022-12-23 07:28
By: Romina Kunze
Every eighth woman in Germany suffers from breast cancer.
Bad news, but not an incurable disease.
It is important to recognize possible harbingers at an early stage.
Frankfurt – For many women – and also some men – the diagnosis comes out of the blue: breast cancer.
It is the most common cancer in women in Germany.
According to the German Cancer Research Center, around 70,000 patients are diagnosed with it every year;
so about every eighth.
It primarily affects women over 60.
But it can also affect younger people.
Although breast cancer can generally be cured nowadays, it is by no means harmless to health.
This is also shown by the figures from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) from 2021: Last year, 18,636 people died as a result of breast cancer;
that accounts for about eight percent of all cancer deaths.
It is still one of the deadliest types of cancer, behind lung cancer (44,601) and pancreatic cancer (19,172).
Treacherous disease: Breast cancer is hardly noticeable in the early stages
It becomes dangerous when the malignant (invasive) cancer cells are already metastasizing.
That is, when they have detached from the original tumor and spread to surrounding organs such as the lungs or liver and bones.
The treatment methods have gotten better and better over the past few decades, and the prospects for those suffering from it have become increasingly promising.
However, it is important to recognize possible signs of the insidious type of cancer early on.
The crux of the matter is that breast cancer usually does not cause any symptoms in the early stages of the disease, but it is precisely then that the chances of curing it are best.
Rare, but not impossible: Men can also get breast cancer
Breast cancer is usually associated with women.
Although most diseases affect women, men can also be affected.
But that happens comparatively rarely.
The symptoms of breast cancer manifest themselves in men in a similar way to women: lumps and inflammation can be felt that do not heal over a long period of time.
You should also keep an eye on the lymph nodes in the armpits.
Other warning signs may include fluid leaking from the nipple and changes in the skin of the breast or the nipple.
The Cancer Information Service of German Cancer Research offers a brief overview of information worth knowing for affected men and their families.
Sources: German Cancer Research Center/German Cancer Society
The warning signs: Signs of breast cancer can often be felt easily
A healthy lifestyle, with the right diet and exercise, helps to fight cancer before it can develop.
According to studies, alcohol significantly increases the risk of contracting the disease.
The most effective measure to prevent breast cancer is to go to the gynecologist for regular check-ups (mammography).
But anyone who feels an unusual hardening – also known as a lump – in the breast should also be alert.
Look out for the following symptoms:
Breast lumps:
Parts of the breast feel noticeably hard and noticeably firmer than the surrounding tissue.
Breast deformation:
One of the two breasts visibly changes in shape or size to the other.
Signs of inflammation:
If the breast is swollen or reddened, it can be an indication of a disease.
Changes in the skin:
If the skin on the breast or nipple starts to flake, itchy or weeps - for example due to clear or bloody liquid - it should be examined by a doctor.
Even if the skin is thickened and constricted pores form ("orange peel"), a trained eye should look over it.
Swollen lymph nodes:
The lymph nodes in the armpit or collarbone area are noticeably larger when palpated.
Tip:
Breast cancer most commonly develops between the armpit and collarbone.
A self-check is recommended every now and then;
even without evil ulterior motives.
Because: If you regularly check this area yourself, you get a good feeling for your own body and can possibly identify changes more quickly.
Source: German Cancer Research Center
At the latest when open wounds are discovered on the chest, which also do not want to heal at all, a specialist should be consulted as soon as possible.
Because that can indicate that not only have malignant cancer cells formed, but they are already progressing, informs the German Cancer Research Center.
Bone pain, coughing, shortness of breath, weight loss, upper abdominal pain, jaundice or swelling of the arm could also occur;
and should not be ignored.
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Breast cancer: Play it safe and clarify any changes with a doctor
But anyone who has discovered an abnormality should not immediately panic.
The symptoms described do not necessarily indicate breast cancer.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the reason is often harmless.
For example, temporary hardening of the breasts is often associated with menstrual bleeding.
The breasts can also become tense and sensitive to touch.
Anyone who notices any noticeable changes in their breasts should have this checked out by a doctor as soon as possible and, if necessary, have it examined.
© Ute Grabowsky/Imago
There is a healthy dose of caution to be exercised;
to become sensitive to your own body.
Any noticeable and especially long-term change should therefore be clarified by a doctor to be on the safe side.
True to the motto: Better to ask too much than too little.
(Romina Kunze)
Note from the editor:
The information given in this article does not replace a visit to a doctor.
Only experts can make the right diagnosis and initiate appropriate therapy.
The intake of medication or dietary supplements should be discussed with a doctor beforehand.
