Breast cancer awareness: symptoms, risk factors, and diagnosis

Breast cancer is a significant public health issue characterized by the uncontrolled development of abnormal cells in breast tissue. Early identification is a critical factor in treatment success and increasing cure rates. While primarily associated with women, the disease can also affect men.

Key symptoms to monitor include painless lumps in the breast or armpit, nipple color changes, bloody discharge from the nipple, swelling, skin redness, itching, or skin dimpling and sores. Other signs include changes in nipple shape, visible enlargement of veins, or skin retraction. While these symptoms do not always indicate malignancy, they require medical investigation by a specialist.

Risk factors are multifactorial, involving genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Age is a primary factor, with increased risk after 45 for women and 60 for men. Genetic predispositions, such as mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, play a significant role, especially for those with a first-degree relative who had the disease. Hormonal factors, including early menstruation or late menopause, also influence risk.