As a woman, there are many physical changes we face at throughout of our lifespan; the breast change is one of them. Breast changes are normal, but we should also know about those abnormal changes, which can lead to some unwanted disease like cancer. So here we try to understand the link between normal breast changes and invasive breast cancer.
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What are Normal Breast Changes?
Our breast undergoes many series of changes at different stages of our life. By the time we are born, the nipple and the basic stages of the milk duct system have already been formed. As we grow, the tissue and structure of our breasts begin to change. The ovaries start to produce and discharge estrogen (a type of hormone) and fat within the breast. This leads the breast to start growing and changing in looks.
By the time we reach adulthood we start noticing the changes in the color and some swelling around the nipple. During the pregnancy time, some hormone (progesterone and estrogen) start increasing which also cause several changes in the breast, to prepare the breast for lactation and breastfeeding.
Menopause became the reason for many hormonally related changes to the body, including breast changes. Due to these changes, breast become lose and hang low or sag.
What is Invasive Breast Cancer?
Invasive breast cancer also grows into normal, healthy tissues as along with effective tissues. It starts in the breast glands or duct and grows into the other breast tissue.
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What are the Risks of Invasive Breast Cancer?
Following are some causes which increase the risk of invasive breast cancer:
Age: Older age women are at higher risk of cancer. Approximately 10% of women diagnosed with invasive cancer after the age of 45.
Genetics: Your genes and family history of breast cancer also play roles to increase the risk of cancer.
Others: If you became pregnant after the age of 35 or you are obese that also increases the risk of invasive cancer.
So here the points that create a link between normal breast changes and invasive breast cancer along with the risk and symptoms of invasive cancer.
What are the Symptoms of Invasive Breast Cancer?
Sometimes Breast cancer may have no symptoms or sign, especially during the early stages. As it grows, you may feel any of the following:
- A lump or thickening inside or near the breast
- Lump around the underarm that remains after the menstrual cycle
- Redness of the skin on the breast or nipple
- A pea size lump
- A sudden change in the shape or size of the breast
- A blood or clear fluid discharge from the nipple
- A change in the position or shape of the nipple
- A hardened area under the skin
To check any of these symptoms you should do a monthly breast self-exam. Do four parts of each of your breast touch and press generally each of the parts. If you feel any of the above-explained symptoms you should contact your doctor immediately. By doing a regular self-check of your breast, you can feel any normal changes in your breasts.
Conclusion:
We discussed the normal changes in the breast during the lifespan of any woman. these changes are normal but if you find any above mention sign it can lead to invasive breast cancer. So, here we try to make a link between normal breast changes and invasive breast cancer.
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