Breast cancer is a tumor in the breast that occurs when breast cells begin to grow abnormally. Regular screening tests are essential to detect breast cancer, and it is also essential to be aware of the signs, symptoms, and causes of breast cancer.

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer
In most cases of breast cancer, there are no symptoms during the early stages. However, one common sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass in the breast. Learn more about the signs, symptoms, and causes of breast cancer , which will help in early diagnosis. Some other signs include:

• A lump in the breast (or even thickening) that feels different from the surrounding area
• Any changes related to breast size, shape, or appearance
• Swelling of the breast
• Inverted nipple
• Nipple redness and pain
• Any breast skin changes
• Dimpling of the breast skin
• Scaly or flaking of skin on nipple or breast
• Bloody or clear discharge from the nipple
• A lump or swelling under the arm
• Swollen lymph nodes

A painless and hard lump with uneven edges has a higher chance of being cancerous. However, in some cases, tender, soft, and round lumps can also be cancerous. Regular mammograms and other screening tests will help detect breast cancer early and have a better chance for successful treatment. The signs, symptoms, and causes of breast cancer can be different in each type of breast cancer.

Causes of breast cancer
The exact cause of breast cancer is unknown, but certain risk factors increase the chances of developing this cancer. Inherited mutations are among the most common causes of breast cancer and can significantly increase the risk of breast cancer. Age, gender, and family history are also significant risk factors that increase a person’s chance of getting cancer. Lifestyle-related factors such as obesity, diet, and alcohol can also increase the chances of developing breast cancer.

• Throughout the lifetime, the body’s cells are reproduced and replaced in a controlled manner. When there is any damage to the cell’s DNA that regulates cell growth, then the risk of cancer increases. The breast cells begin to grow rapidly in an uncontrolled way, accumulating to form a lump or mass.
• Sometimes, proto-oncogenes, which help cells to grow, normally mutate to form oncogenes. The oncogenes, which are bad genes, cause cells to multiply in an uncontrolled way, making more cells than required. This leads to the formation of tumors.
• Cancer can also be caused when tumor suppressor genes do not work properly, affecting the pace of cell division.

Cancer usually forms either in the glandular tissue called lobules or in the milk-producing ducts. The uncontrolled cancer cells can spread through the breast and travel to lymph nodes and other parts of the body. Cancer can also invade the tissue around the breast, such as skin or chest.

Knowing the signs, symptoms, and causes of breast cancer is essential for early diagnosis. Check your breasts regularly and meet your healthcare provider if you notice any changes.