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Women's Health: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in women across the world. It is a type of cancer that starts in the breast, either in one or both breasts. According to the statistics of the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer caused 6,85,000 deaths globally in 2020. As of the end of 2020, there were 7.8 million women alive who were diagnosed with breast cancer in the past 5 years, making it the world’s most prevalent cancer.

What is Breast Cancer?

The American Cancer Society states that breast cancer can spread when the cancer cells get into the blood or lymph system and then are carried to other parts of the body. Several types of breast cancers are determined by the specific kind of cells in the breast that are affected. Breast cancers are also classified by certain types of proteins or genes each cancer might make.

Early Signs Of Breast Cancer

1. Changes In Shape Of Nipples

Breast cancer can cause cell changes behind the nipples. It can cause nipple changes or discharge, which includes fluid from the nipple that is not breast milk because nipple changes or discharge can sometimes be signs of breast cancer, they should be checked. However, nipple discharge can be caused by birth control pills, medicine, and infections.

2. Breast Lumps

One of the most common signs of breast cancer is the formation of lumps in or near the breasts. Lumps under your arms, thick or firm tissue in or near your breast or under your arm, or a change in the size or shape of your breast are immediate signs of breast cancer that you should not ignore and seek immediate medication. Breast lumps can be of different sizes as well but not all lumps indicate breast cancer.

3. Skin Changes

Breast cancer can cause skin changes in the breast such as puckering, dimpling, a rash or redness of the skin, as per Cancer Research UK. Puckering means the skin has a texture similar to an orange peel while dimpling of the breast tissues causes the skin to look like the pitting and uneven skin of an orange.

4. Rashes

Healthline states that due to breast cancer, the skin on your breast can turn dark and appear bruised. This will usually involve a large area of the breast. The skin on your breast might also look dimpled like an orange peel. This dimpling is caused by a buildup of fluid in the breast that's due to cancer cells blocking the lymph vessels.

 

(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.)

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