Breast cancer can't be diagnosed only by a lump; pay attention to these early symptoms as well.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Most people consider a breast lump to be the first and most common symptom of breast cancer, but doctors say this is only one aspect of the disease. Many women overlook early and mild changes in breast cancer, which can occur without a lump. This explains why cancer can progress without warning. Breast cancer has now become the most common cancer in India. According to a report by the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Cancer Registry Program, breast cancer accounts for approximately 28 percent of all female cancer cases in India. It is worrying that more than half of breast cancer cases in India are detected at an advanced stage because early symptoms are often misunderstood or ignored.

Breast cancer has symptoms other than a lump in the breast. 

Experts say that not every breast cancer symptom appears as a lump. Sometimes the body shows minor symptoms that are often overlooked. Symptoms like fatigue, bone pain, and unexplained weight loss can also be early signs of cancer, especially when it has spread to other parts of the body. Therefore, experts agree that even a small, painless lump in the breast should not be ignored. Furthermore, experts say that certain types of the disease, such as triple-negative breast cancer, are more common and spread more rapidly in younger women. 

Hidden symptoms of breast cancer that you should not ignore

Experts say that not all lumps are cancerous, and not all cancers appear as lumps. Breast cancer often begins with a small, mild pressure on the skin or nipple. Experts say that the initial symptoms of breast cancer include thickening or dimpling of the skin. Women often experience changes in their breasts during hormonal changes, such as menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. These hormonal changes are usually equally visible in both breasts, while cancer symptoms are often limited to one breast. Women can suspect breast cancer by a persistently growing lump in one breast. Furthermore, the skin in the cancerous breast may feel stretched or tight, and sometimes, the nipple may also feel pulled inward. 

Prevention possible with timely identification

According to the National Cancer Grid of India, approximately 60 percent of breast cancer cases in India are detected in stage 3 or 4. Early detection can result in a 5-year survival rate of over 90 percent, but this rate drops significantly if detected late. Experts recommend that women after the age of 20 should perform monthly breast self-examinations. Women between the ages of 20 and 39 should undergo clinical breast examinations every three years, and mammography is essential for women over 44 or those at high risk. Experts believe these steps can help identify breast cancer before it escalates and provide timely treatment.

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