Cancer that initiates in the breast is known as breast cancer. It occurs when healthy cells start growing uncontrollably and don’t die when they are supposed to. The cancer is usually identified as a lump, and it can be seen in an X-ray. While only women are known to have breast cancer, there are some exceptions where men can get it too. There may be non-cancerous growth in the breasts, and one should not confuse the two.

1. Stages of breast cancer
There are different stages of breast cancer depending on the spread of the tumor.

• Early stage
  There are cancerous cells present in the breast, and they have spread to nearby tissues in a small area.

• Localized
  This is the stage in which the tumor size is between 20 mm and 50 mm, and there might be some lymph nodes involved.

• Regional spread
  In this stage, the tumor is more than 50 mm in size, and more lymph nodes may be involved in the spread of cancer. Cancer might also have spread to the chest wall or skin.

• Distant spread
  In this stage, cancer has spread to other parts of the body as well.

2. Symptoms of breast cancer
There are seven common symptoms of breast cancer.

• Swollen lymph nodes
  One might experience swollen lymph nodes around the collarbone or under the arm, and this could be a sign of breast cancer. One might notice these even before the breast cancer in its original location is large enough.

• Swelling in the breast
  Another sign of worry is swelling in a part of the breast or the entire breast. It is possible that there is no distinct lump, but the breast has some swelling.

• Skin irritation
  Dimpling on the skin, skin looking like orange peel, and irritation on this area might be a sign of breast cancer.

• Pain
  Pain in the breast or nipple is also a sign of breast cancer.

• Nipple retraction
  Nipple being pulled through is also a common symptom of breast cancer.

• Redness, thickening, or scaliness of the nipple
  Unusual redness or thickness of the nipple might indicate breast cancer.

• Nipple discharge
  Discharge from the nipple other than breast milk can be a sign of breast cancer.

3. Risk factors of breast cancer
There are some common risk factors for breast cancer, some of which can be improved and some that cannot.

• Getting older
  Most breast cancers are diagnosed past the age of 50 years. Thus, it can be said that the chances of breast cancer increase with age.

• Reproductive history
  Starting menstrual periods early and hitting menopause late can increase the chances of breast cancer.

• Family history
  If there is a first-degree relative with a history of breast cancer, one is more vulnerable to cancer.

• Drinking alcohol
  The chances of breast cancer increase with the amount of alcohol that a person consumes.