Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is when breast cells mutate and become cancerous cells that multiply and form tumors. Breast cancer typically affects women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) age 50 and older, but it can also affect men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB), as well as younger women. Healthcare providers may treat breast cancer with surgery to remove tumors or treatment to kill cancerous cells.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers that affects women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB). It happens when cancerous cells in your breasts multiply and become tumors. About 80% of breast cancer cases are invasive, meaning a tumor may spread from your breast to other areas of your body.
Breast cancer typically affects women age 50 and older, but it can also affect women and people AFAB who are younger than 50. Men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) may also develop breast cancer.
Early Warning Signs of Breast Cancer
A lump in your breast or underarm
that doesn’t go away. This is often the first symptom of breast cancer. Your doctor can usually see a lump on a mammogram long before you can see or feel it.
Swelling in your armpit or near your collarbone.
This could mean breast cancer has spread to lymph nodes in that area. Swelling may start before you feel a lump, so let your doctor know if you notice it.
Pain and tenderness,
although lumps don’t usually hurt. Some may cause a prickly feeling.
A flat or indented area on your breast.
This could happen because of a tumor that you can’t see or feel.
Breast changes
such as a difference in the size, contour, texture, or temperature of your breast.
Changes in your nipple,
like one that:
Pulls inward
Is dimpled
Burns
Itches
Develops sores
Unusual nipple discharge.
It could be clear, bloody, or another color.
A marble-like area under your skin
that feels different from any other part of either breast.