Every year over 280,000 Americans are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. If you or someone you love is concerned about breast cancer, learn more about early signs, symptoms, and treatments today.

Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, killing over 43,000 people each year. Breast cancer is caused by malignant cancer cells in a person’s breast tissue. Although breast cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women, breast cancer can affect people of all genders. Fortunately, breast cancer is highly treatable if caught early. Learn more about breast cancer warning signs, symptoms, and treatment. 

Symptoms Associated With Breast Cancer

Early-stage breast cancer is cancer that has not spread to any areas outside of the breast. As early-stage breast cancer often has no symptoms, it tends to be diagnosed by mammography – a special kind of X-ray that looks for abnormalities in the breast tissue.

If you do experience breast cancer symptoms, they might include:

• A lump in the breast tissue or underarm
• Thickened tissue in the breast or underarm
• A change in the size or shape of your breast
• Swelling around the breast area
• Dimpling of the breast skin and surrounding area
• Irritation of the breast skin and surrounding area
• Rashes on the breast skin and surrounding area
• Pain in the breast or nipple area
• Changes in the nipple 
• Discharge from the nipple

Of course, it’s important to note that changes to the breast tissue or underarm can be caused by other medical conditions. However, any unusual changes or symptoms you notice should be assessed by your healthcare professional as soon as possible. 

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Although there is no definitive cause for breast cancer, there are several risk factors associated with developing the disease, including: 

• A family history of breast cancer (especially immediate family members such as parents and siblings)
• Being aged over 50 
• Obesity
• Early menstruation
• Late menopause
• Certain birth control pills 
• Medical history of radiation to the chest area
• Hormone replacement therapy
• History of smoking

Treatments for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is highly treatable, with an excellent survival rate if you receive an early diagnosis. Treatment for breast cancer depends on a number of factors, including the type of breast cancer you have and whether it has spread to other organs in the body. Most people can be cured of breast cancer, but the treatment may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormone treatment.

• Surgery: Surgical for breast cancer includes a lumpectomy or a mastectomy. During a lumpectomy, only the cancerous tissue and cells are removed to leave the breast tissue as intact as possible. The entire breast tissue is removed during a mastectomy and may require reconstruction. Both a mastectomy and lumpectomy can be used in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy.
• Radiation: Radiation therapy uses high-force x-rays to target and kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill or slow down the growth of cancer cells and can be administered orally or via injection. 

Integrative and Complementary Medicine Breast Cancer Treatments

Many people use integrative and complementary therapies in conjunction with traditional cancer treatments to ease their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Although complementary therapies can be highly effective, it’s essential not to use this type of therapy instead of the treatments your healthcare provider prescribes. 

Some common integrative and complementary therapies you can use if you have breast cancer include, but are not limited to:

Supplements

Eating a healthy diet is one of the best ways to ensure you get all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Some people may also benefit from taking additional supplements. Before taking any supplements, be sure to ask your healthcare provider first. 

Mindfulness & meditation

People with cancer often experience intense anxiety, stress, and feelings of powerlessness. Practicing mindfulness can help reduce the stress and anxiety associated with a cancer diagnosis. 

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an alternative medicine used in traditional Chinese medicine. During acupuncture, an acupuncturist inserts hair-thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the central nervous system.

Massage

Massage can help you relax and ease many of the physical and emotional symptoms of cancer, as well as side effects from cancer treatment. 

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy can be used to improve emotions and cause positive changes in the brain and body. It can also help you deal with your diagnosis’s emotional impact.

A breast cancer diagnosis can be a traumatic, life-changing event for both patients and their families. Fortunately, breast cancer survival rates continue to rise as new treatments and technologies are developed.