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Symptoms and Causes
Although the exact cause of breast cancer is unknown, researchers believe gene mutations, hormonal changes or environmental factors can cause cancer. Familial cancers account for approximately 10% of breast cancers. Tumour suppressor genes such as BRCA1, and BRCA2 are normally present in our body, whose function is to slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes or tell cells when to die. Alterations or mutations in these genes, fail to fix the errors in the cell’s DNA and begin to grow and divide abnormally, thereby leading to breast cancer.
Additionally, there are certain environmental and hormonal factors that gradually increase a person’s risk of developing breast cancer. These risk factors could either be modifiable or non-modifiable:
Non-modifiable risk factors include:
Symptoms
Not all patients with breast cancer have the same symptoms. In some cases, the person may not have any warning signs. However, in some cases breast cancer may cause the following signs and symptoms:
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Breast Cancer
Modifiable risk factors include:
Types of Breast Cancer
Prevention
Diagnosis and Treatment
Myths and Facts
A lump in the breast or underarm that does not go away could be the first sign of breast cancer
Swelling in the armpit or near the collarbone, usually caused when breast cancer has spread to lymph nodes
A soft and painless lump, which sometimes cause a prickling sensation
Change in skin colour and texture near the nipple
A flat or inverted nipple
A noticeable change in breast size, texture, and shape
Unusual nipple discharge, could be clear, bloody, brownish or another colour
Change in skin colour and texture near the nipple
Having these symptoms does not always indicate breast cancer, they can also occur due to any other conditions. However, if you are noticing any of these signs or symptoms consult a doctor immediately.