Breast cancer has become the main cause of female health threat. In the past, the onset age of breast cancer was between 40 and 60 years old, and the incidence rate of women before and after menopause was high; But in recent years, the data shows that the age of breast cancer onset is advanced to 35-49 years old! The early stage of breast cancer has a 5-year survival rate of more than 95% and a 10-year survival rate of more than 90%; However, the effect of advanced treatment for breast cancer is very poor, and the 5-year survival rate is greatly reduced. So, what are the early symptoms of breast cancer? How to prevent it? Let's take a look together next.
1、 Early Symptoms of breast cancer
The early symptoms of breast cancer are hidden, but not without trace. The details are as follows:
1. Breast lumps: 95% of breast cancer patients will have breast lumps. Single or multiple lumps in the breast that can grow on any part of the breast; The shape of the lump is diverse, and may be circular, elliptical, or irregular; The texture is generally hard.
2. Changes in breast skin:
(1) "Orange peel like" changes: This is due to the growth of the lump affecting the lymphatic vessels beneath the breast skin, causing blockage of the subcutaneous lymphatic vessels and thickening of the skin, resulting in an "orange peel like" change.
(2) Small dimples appear: This is due to the growth of the lump pulling the ligaments under the breast skin, causing the skin on the surface of the lump to sink.
(3) Redness of the skin: This is due to the dissemination of new small nodules under the skin during the growth of the lump, and the color of the skin around the lump turning red.
(4) Skin rupture: If the lump grows outward and gradually grows, it breaks through the skin to form a "cauliflower like" rupture surface.
3. Changes in nipple areola:
(1) Nipple flattening, concave convex retraction: This is due to the invasion of the milk duct below the nipple by a lump under the nipple.
(2) Eczematous changes on the nipple surface: breast cancer, also known as Paget's disease of the nipple, occurs on the nipple surface, which is characterized by eczematous changes, repeated erosion and crusting. Over time, the nipple will gradually flatten, and even the nipple will disappear. The areola is characterized by "eczematous" changes.
4. Nipple discharge: some breast cancer will cause nipple discharge (1.3% -7% of the total number of breast cancer), especially bloody discharge! When the amount of overflow is large, it will flow out from the nipple without squeezing. When the amount is not large, it is necessary to squeeze the nipple or accidentally discover blood or liquid stains on the underwear to be discovered. However, breast cancer with nipple discharge as the only symptom is rare, and most of them are accompanied by breast lumps.
5. Pain: Breast pain is rare in the early stage of breast cancer. When breast cancer causes pain, most of them have progressed to the middle and late stages.
6. Enlargement of axillary lymph nodes: It is rare in the early stage, but when it manifests as axillary lymph node enlargement, most of them have already entered the middle and late stages.
2、 Breast cancer prevention measures
breast cancer prevention mainly includes the following measures:
1. Healthy diet: eat a balanced diet, eat more foods rich in fiber, vitamins and antioxidant substances, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, etc., and reduce the intake of high fat, high sugar and processed foods.
2. Physical exercise: Maintain moderate physical activity, such as walking, jogging, swimming, etc., for at least 150 minutes per week.
3. Weight control: Maintain an appropriate weight, especially avoiding obesity and abdominal fat accumulation.
4. Avoid long-term hormone replacement therapy: long-term use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may increase the risk of breast cancer. If hormone therapy is needed, fully communicate with the doctor and weigh the advantages and disadvantages.
5. Control drinking: drinking is related to the increased risk of breast cancer, so the amount of drinking should be limited, and drinking should be avoided or moderate as far as possible.
6. Avoid exposure to radiation: long-term exposure to radiation environment, such as X-ray, CT and other high-dose radiation, may increase the risk of breast cancer.
7. Regular self-examination and breast examination: Women should undergo breast self-examination every month to promptly detect any abnormalities. At the same time, regularly undergo breast examinations, mammography, and breast ultrasound examinations conducted by doctors for screening.
8. Attention to high-risk populations: High risk populations with family history, genetic mutations, early onset of menstruation, late childbirth, and no children should be monitored and screened as early as possible.
It should be noted that preventive measures can reduce the risk of breast cancer, but can not completely eliminate the possibility of disease. Therefore, early detection and treatment are very important. If you have any questions or discover breast abnormalities, please consult a doctor promptly.