Breast cancer: signs to take seriously

Breast cancer affects one in eight women at some point in her life, according to studies in Europe and America.
There are several types of breast cancer, but the most common is cancer of the milk ducts: so called because it starts in the milk ducts. This type accounts for 90% of breast cancer cases.
Learn more about the symptoms and risk factors for breast cancer, according to the Saudi Ministry of Health website:

Symptoms of breast cancer

Breast cancer often has no symptoms, but the following signs may appear at an advanced stage:
A hard, painless lump or lump in the chest or armpit.
Swelling and swelling of the chest.
Discharge from the breast (possibly blood).
A change in the size and shape of the breast or wrinkling of the skin.
Nipple inversion.
Itching, crusty sores, or rash around the chest.
Pain is rarely felt.
It is important to know that the appearance of lumps does not mean that it is cancer, it could be due to the presence of cysts or infection.

When to consult a doctor ?

After the appearance of one or more of the signs listed below, you should consult a specialist doctor for the necessary tests:
– When there is a fixed and solid mass.
– If the lumps do not go away within 4-6 weeks.
– When you notice changes in the skin.
When the discharge (mainly blood) from the nipple.
When the nipple is inverted.
When you feel a change in the size of the lymph nodes (mass) in the armpit.

Read more: The best exercises for women after 50

Breast cancer: risk factors

There are a number of risk factors for developing breast cancer, including:
Your gender: It affects women, but it can affect men to a small extent.
Aging: especially beyond 55 years.
Family History and Heredity: If first-degree relatives have contracted it because of the genetic factor and not for other reasons, periodic check-ups for breast cancer and ovarian cancer should be done.
Pregnancy delayed after the age of 30, or not becoming pregnant.
Not to breastfeed.
Puberty at an early age, i.e. before 12 years old.
Menopause delayed beyond 55 years.
Certain types of treatment such as: radiotherapy, hormone therapy or the use of hormonal contraceptives.
Exposure to radiation from an early age (before the age of thirty).
Previous infection with malignant breast tumors or certain types of benign tumors.
Obesity and lack of exercise.

Find out more: Cancer of the cervix. All your questions are handled by a specialist doctor.