5 Signs Of Breast Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore – Plus Best Prevention Tips

Infographic: herbshealthhappiness.com

What do you know about breast cancer other than it affects breast tissue? Breast cancer is extremely serious; while majority of cases occur in women, many people are surprised to learn that men are sometimes affected. This is because both sexes have breast tissue – not just women.

There are numerous different signs and symptoms of breast cancer, as well as different tests that can be done to diagnose it. We’ve listed many of these in the article as well as the infographic but the most important thing we need to say is that online information should never be used to replace an actual diagnosis. Regular screening is vital and early detection really could save your life.

The Statistics for Breast Cancer

According to Breastcancer.org, roughly 1 in 8 American women will be affected by breast cancer in their lifetime – that’s 12 percent of the US female population. In 2014, about 240,000 invasive and 63,000 non-invasive breast cancer cases were expected to be diagnosed in women. In men, the numbers were much lower – a predicted 2,400 invasive cases were expected in the same year. The risk of men getting breast cancer is 1 in 1,000. ^[1]

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

The biggest risk factor for breast cancer is increasing age – more so than heredity. Only 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer cases are due to the inheritance of mutated genes. The rest are caused by genetic mutations due to the wear and tear experienced by the body during aging. Gene mutations that predispose people to breast cancer are those that affect the BRCA1 and BRCA2 – in both men and women. ^[2]

Other risk factors include:
• Alcohol intake
• Breast tissue density
• Early menarche (first menstrual period) and late menopause
• Exposure to radiation in the breast or chest area
• Nulliparity (no born children)
• Older age during birth of first child
• Obesity
• Personal history of breast cancer
• Use of hormones (contraceptive or hormone therapy) ^[2]

Did you know that antiperspirants have also been implicated as a possible breast cancer risk? Regular deodorants can contain:

Aluminum – linked to cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease
Phthalates – these chemicals are endocrine disruptors
Propylene glycol – common name: antifreeze
Formaldehyde – a known carcinogen
Parabens – have been found in biopsied tissue with breast cancer
Antibacterials – may affect the immune system ^[3]

Check out our tutorial on How to Make Your Own Natural Deodorants Without Toxic Chemical Ingredients.

Extended List Of 10 Possible Warning Signs and Symptoms

• A lump or growth in the breast or armpit
• Breast pain (“mastalgia”) or tenderness
• Nipple discharge
• Nipple retraction
• Enlargement of one breast – while breasts are generally non-symmetrical, noticeable enlargement of one breast can be a sign of concern
• Dimpling of the breast skin or an “orange peel” like texture
• Vaginal pain
• Sudden weight loss
• Enlarged axillary lymph nodes (lymph nodes in the armpit)
• Visible veins on the breast ^[4]

Screening for Breast Cancer

There are several examinations you can undergo to check your breast health. They include: (1) mammograms (please be informed regarding the mammogram controversy, (2) ultrasounds, (3) MRIs, and (4) biopsy of breast tissue. These tests are designed to diagnose if breast cancer is affecting the ducts, lobes, or tissue of the breast – the most common areas affected by breast cancer cells. Breast cancer can also potentially manifest in axillary tissue or spread to other parts of the body, including other parts of the female reproductive system like the ovaries, uterus, or cervix. ^[5] If breast cancer is metastatic, it means that it is spreading to other parts of the body. If breast cancer reaches the fourth stage, it has most likely metastasized to the brain, bones, lungs, or liver. ^[6]