Breast cancer is the UK’s most common form of cancer, accounting for over 15% of all cases in men and women combined. While survival rates are relatively high when compared to other forms of cancer, it is estimated that almost one in four cases in the UK are preventable. That is why our private doctors in Milton Keynes advise all patients to develop their understanding of breast cancer signs, causes, and treatments and take early preventative action. In this article, we will explain how you can identify breast cancer and how to reduce the risk of developing it.
Understanding The Breast Cancer Signs
Like any cancer, breast cancer starts with abnormal cell development. The breast cells will mutate and become cancerous cells that multiply and form tumours. The disease is most common in women who are over the age of 50. If you think you might have breast cancer, you should see a Doctor and arrange a cancer screening as soon as possible. The earlier breast cancer is identified, the higher the chance of successful treatment.
- What Does Breast Cancer Look Like?
- Symptoms Of Breast Cancer
- Can Men Get Breast Cancer?
- How To Check For Breast Cancer
- How Does Screening For Breast Cancer Work?
- What Causes Breast Cancer?
- How To Prevent Breast Cancer
What Does Breast Cancer Look Like?
Breast cancer often affects different people in different ways. Some of the most common symptoms are very distinctive, while others are subtle changes. It is important to remember that in the early stages, breast cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms. When it does, the symptoms may include:
- Changes to the size, shape or contour of your breast.
- A mass or lump, possibly as small as a pea.
- A lump or thickening near your breast or in your underarm that remains throughout your menstrual cycle.
- Changes in the appearance or texture of the skin on your breast or nipple. The skin may seem dimpled, puckered, scaly, or inflamed. It may also appear red, purple, or darker than other parts of your breast.
- A marble-like hardened area under your skin.
Symptoms Of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer awareness campaigns typically focus on identifying lumps in the breast, as this is one of the most common symptoms. These campaigns have been highly effective and have contributed to a reduction in the number of breast cancer deaths among women since 1992. However, there are a number of lesser-known symptoms that may indicate breast cancer even when no lump has been detected. These include:
- Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit: In some cases, breast cancer first becomes identifiable in the armpit. This means the cancer has travelled to the armpit’s axillary lymph nodes. The nodes in the lower part of the neck may also be affected if the cancer is more advanced because cancer cells use the lymphatic system to invade more organs.
- Nipple discharge: While unlikely, bloody or clear nipple discharge could be a symptom of very early breast cancer. This is particularly true if it’s leaking from just one breast.
- Flat or inverted nipple: When a breast tumour invades a milk duct, it can cause the nipple to flatten or invert. This might be the first visible symptom for many people with breast cancer.
Can Men Get Breast Cancer?
While it is rare, men can develop breast cancer. Men also have breast tissue around the nipple area, just less than women. Less than 1% of breast cancer cases in the UK are in men (around 370 diagnoses each year), but it is important to understand how the disease reveals itself in men so early preventative action can be taken. It is most common in older men, though it can occur at any age.
Most breast cancer in men is ductal carcinoma, which means the cancer cells begin growing in the (milk) ducts of the breast but can also begin in the glands (lobular cancer), even though these breast parts are not functional in men. Other rarer types of male breast cancer include Paget’s disease of the nipple and inflammatory breast cancer.
The risk factors for breast cancer in men are similar to other types of breast cancer, and these are outlined in greater detail later in this article. However, additional conditions that increase risk factors for men include:
- Obesity
- Undescended testicle
- Testicular swelling due to adult-onset mumps
- Removal of one or more testicles
- Oestrogen treatment, given as hormone therapy for men with prostate cancer
- Having a BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation (both men and women can have a BRCA mutation)
For most men, there is no way to prevent male breast cancer, but there are ways to lower the risk of developing the disease. If you are aware that a family member has genetic mutations associated with breast cancer, inform your Doctor or another healthcare provider. You and your healthcare provider can discuss whether genetic testing is appropriate to determine if you also have these genetic mutations and should increase your breast examinations.
How To Check For Breast Cancer
Whether it is due to the menopause, the peri menopause, pregnancy, puberty or your menstrual cycle, your breasts can change for many reasons. So, regular examinations are necessary to spot any new or unusual changes. A breast self-exam can be done at home and is one of the most effective ways to stay on top of your breast health. A breast self-exam should be done monthly, and the best time to do it is about three to five days after your period starts. If you have gone through the menopause, do your exam on the same day every month.
Here is how to conduct a breast self-exam:
- Begin by standing in front of a mirror in a well-lit room.
- Examine your breasts’ skin, nipples, and shape and size. Look under your armpits too.
- Then, place your hands on your hips. This should make any lumps or marks more visible.
- Remain standing in front of the mirror and lift both hands to the back of your head.
- Look under the breast and check for lumps or marks under the arms.
- Next, lay on your back.
- Lift one arm over your head and use the other to check the breast below your raised arm.
- Starting from the outer edge, place three fingers flat against your breast and slide them around gently in a circle.
- Make another circle closer to the nipple without lifting your fingers off.
- Check your nipples for any discharge.
- Repeat this process on the opposite breast.
How Does Screening For Breast Cancer Work?
Breast screening uses an X-ray test called a mammogram to check the breast for signs of cancer. It can spot cancers that are too small to see or feel, which is very helpful for early detection.
Prior to a mammogram, the mammographer will explain the procedure and ask you to undress to the waist. Then, they will position your breast on the mammogram machine and lower a plastic plate to compress it. This ensures that your breast remains still and produces clear X-rays. Typically, the mammography technician will capture two X-rays of each breast, one from above and one from the side. You will need to remain still for several seconds each time. The entire appointment takes less than 30 minutes, and the actual mammogram only takes a few minutes.
Anyone registered with an NHS GP as female will be invited for NHS breast screening every three years between the ages of 50 and 71. You will get a letter in the post inviting you. Alternatively, you can get a referral for a mammogram at Private Doctors MK. Arrange your private GP appointment in Milton Keynes today, and stay on top of your health.
What Causes Breast Cancer?
Anyone can get breast cancer, and the causes are not always clear. However, many risk factors have been identified that make individuals more likely to develop breast cancer. These include:
- Being over the age of 50.
- Smoking.
- Having dense breast tissue (you may be told this after a breast screening).
- Having relatives who’ve had breast or ovarian cancer.
- Having certain breast conditions like benign breast disease, ductal carcinoma in situ or lobular carcinoma in situ.
You are also more likely to develop breast cancer if you have higher levels of the hormones oestrogen, progesterone or testosterone. This may be more likely if you:
- Started your periods before you were 12 or went through the menopause after you turned 55.
- Have not given birth, or gave birth for the first time after 30.
- Did not breastfeed your children.
- Have used the contraceptive pill in the last ten years, or take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – these only slightly increase your risk, and for many people, the benefits of taking them outweigh the risks.
How To Prevent Breast Cancer
While there is no way to completely eradicate your chances of developing breast cancer, there are many things you can do to lessen the risk. These include:
- Keeping a healthy weight: Research shows that keeping a healthy weight reduces the risk of 13 different types of cancer, including breast cancer.
- A healthy diet: Many studies indicate that a diet high in fruit and vegetables provides protection against breast cancer.
- Low amounts of alcohol: Research also shows that cutting down the amount of alcohol you drink lowers your risk of developing breast cancer.
- Being physically active: Being physically active can reduce your risk of breast cancer as it can help you to keep a healthy weight.
- Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding lowers the risk of developing breast cancer, but it is unclear why. The longer you breastfeed, the more the risk is reduced.
- Medicines such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs: Research has shown that women who regularly take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines have a slightly lower risk of developing breast cancer.
- Surgery or hormone treatment if you are at high risk of developing breast cancer: Surgery to remove both breasts may be a possible option for women at very high risk. This is known as a bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy.
- Having children: Having children and in particular, having a child at a younger age can slightly lower your risk of developing breast cancer. The risk gets lower the more children you have.
Stay On Top Of Your Breast Health
With so many diagnoses and risk factors, it is no surprise breast cancer is a worry for so many. But with an improved understanding of the disease and early intervention, the mortality rate of breast cancer will continue to fall. If you are concerned about your breasts or want to learn more about the risk factors specific to you, do not hesitate to arrange an appointment with our private GP in Milton Keynes.