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What signs can indicate breast cancer? This compact guide shows you the most important symptoms and explains why regular prevention is so crucial.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
- What is breast cancer and how does it develop?
- Breast Cancer Symptoms: These Signs You Should Know
- Breast Cancer Prevention: How to Protect Yourself
- Video Tutorial:
- Breast Cancer Treatment: Modern Therapy Options
- Breast Cancer Metastases: When Cancer Spreads
- Risk Factors for Breast Cancer: What Influences Your Risk
- Healthy Living, Lowering Risk: What You Can Do Yourself
- World Cancer Day & Breast Cancer Awareness Month October: Stronger Together
- Living with Breast Cancer: Support, Self-Care & Help
- FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Cancer Symptoms
- Medical Disclaimer
- About PapayaCup
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide. Many of those affected receive the diagnosis completely unexpectedly, but the good news remains: if breast cancer is detected early, the chances of treatment are usually significantly better. This makes it all the more important to know your body well and to notice changes attentively.
In this guide, you will learn in an understandable way which breast cancer symptoms frequently occur in women, how you can detect warning signs early, and why regular prevention is a crucial part of your breast health.
What is breast cancer and how does it develop?
Breast cancer develops when cells in the breast tissue multiply uncontrollably and form a malignant tumor. This can happen in the milk ducts, in the mammary glands, or in the surrounding tissue. Most diagnoses concern women over 50, but breast cancer can basically occur at any age.
The risk is influenced by many factors – a mix of genetics, hormones, and lifestyle. An increased risk exists, for example, for women with a family history, BRCA gene mutations, a very early first period, or a later menopause. These correlations are valid in all European countries and are scientifically well-established.
This is how your breast is structured - milk ducts, glandular lobes and lymph nodes explained.
Breast Cancer Symptoms: These Signs You Should Know
Many women wonder: "How do I even recognize breast cancer?"
Especially in the early stages, breast cancer often causes no pain. That's why self-examination and regular check-ups are so important. Nevertheless, there are typical signs that you should take seriously.
Common Breast Cancer Symptoms:
- Palpable lumps or hardening in the breast or armpit (usually painless)
- Changes in the nipple: retracted, deformed, or newly oriented
- Discharge from the nipple: clear, bloody, or yellowish fluid
- Skin changes: redness, orange peel texture, dimpling, or swelling
- Size or shape changes of the breast
- Palpable, hardened lymph nodes in the armpit or near the collarbone
- Pain in the breast (less common, but possible)
Important to know: A palpable lump does not automatically mean cancer. Many changes are benign. Nevertheless, any noticeable change should be medically clarified so that you can get clarity and peace of mind.
Overview: Breast Cancer Symptoms in Women
Symptom | Description | Frequency |
Lump in the breast | Palpable, usually painless hardening | Very common (approx. 50%) |
Nipple changes | Retracted, discharge, change in shape | Common |
Skin changes | Orange peel skin, redness, dimpling | Common |
Size change | Asymmetry of the breasts | Occasional |
Breast pain | Persistent pain unrelated to cycle | Rare in early stages |
Swollen lymph nodes | Palpable swelling in armpit/collarbone | Occasional |
Breast Cancer Prevention: How to Protect Yourself
Early detection is one of the strongest levers for discovering breast cancer in time. Many European countries have structured screening programs that offer women of a certain age regular examinations. The exact age limits differ from country to country, but the basic principle remains the same everywhere: Regular check-ups save lives.
Professional Breast Cancer Prevention – what most European countries offer:
- Palpation examinations by medical professionals (often recommended from adulthood)
- Regular mammography screenings, often between ages 50 and 69 or 50 and 74, depending on the national program
- Additional examinations for those with family risk, e.g., BRCA mutations or multiple cases of breast cancer in the family
If you are unsure about the available options in your country, your general practitioner or gynecologist can tell you exactly which screening examinations are free or routinely available for you.
Self-Examination: How to Properly Examine Your Breasts
Self-examination is an important part of prevention – simple, free, and strengthens confidence in your own body. Once a month is enough.
The ideal time is about 3 to 5 days after the start of your period, because the breast tissue is particularly soft then. After menopause, it's best to choose a fixed day each month.
Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Examination:
- In front of a mirror: Pay attention to shape, size, and visible changes of the breast
- With arms raised: Observe dimpling or skin changes
- Lying down: Examine the entire breast with circular motions
- In the shower: With wet skin, changes are often easier to feel
- Don't forget the armpits: Important lymph nodes are located there
Video Tutorial:
This clear and easy-to-understand video shows you step by step how to properly examine your breasts:
Breast Cancer Treatment: Modern Therapy Options
Today, breast cancer treatment is as individual as each woman herself. Which therapy is recommended depends on many factors: tumor type, stage, size, hormone sensitivity, and of course, your overall health condition. The goal is always to provide you with the best possible, personalized treatment.
What treatment options are available?
- Surgery: Often, the breast can be preserved. In some cases, complete removal (mastectomy) is medically advisable.
- Chemotherapy: Used primarily when the tumor is growing very quickly or might have already spread.
- Radiation Therapy: Often used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
- Hormone Therapy: Especially important if the tumor responds to hormones like estrogen or progesterone.
- Targeted Therapies: Modern antibody therapies, for example Trastuzumab, that specifically attack certain tumor characteristics.
- Immunotherapy: Supports your immune system in better recognizing and fighting cancer cells.
If breast cancer is detected early, the chances of cure are very high in many cases. In early stages, the 5-year survival rates in Europe often reach over 90 percent – a very important reason why screening examinations can make such a big difference.
Breast Cancer Metastases: When Cancer Spreads
When cancer cells spread to other areas of the body via blood or lymph vessels, it is called metastasis. The most commonly affected areas are bones, liver, lungs, or brain.
Although metastatic breast cancer is not considered curable, medicine has made great progress. Many women now live with the disease for years – often with a good quality of life. Therapies are chosen to be effective while simultaneously supporting daily life as much as possible.
Risk Factors for Breast Cancer: What Influences Your Risk
There are factors we cannot change – and others that we can influence. It's important to know: An increased risk does not mean you will get the disease. It only shows that prevention is particularly important.
Modifiable Risk Factors
- Overweight after menopause
- Lack of physical activity
- Alcohol consumption – even small amounts can increase the risk
- Smoking – especially if it started at a young age
- Very high-fat or unbalanced diet
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors
- Older age – the most important risk factor
- Genetic predisposition – for example, BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations
- Very early first menstruation
- Late menopause
- No children or a late first pregnancy
Every body is unique – and not every factor applies to every woman. The crucial thing is to know your personal risk situation and take prevention seriously.
Healthy Living, Lowering Risk: What You Can Do Yourself
Even if you can't influence every risk factor, you have a lot of control when it comes to your breast health. A conscious, healthy lifestyle can demonstrably lower your personal risk and simultaneously strengthens your overall well-being.
What Helps Your Body:
- Regular exercise: About 150 minutes of moderate activity per week – walking, yoga, cycling, or whatever makes you feel good.
- Balanced diet: Plenty of vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains. Less processed meat and little red meat.
- Stable body weight: A normal weight after menopause has a positive effect on breast cancer risk.
- Reduce or avoid alcohol: Even small amounts can increase the risk.
- Don't smoke: Especially important for your entire hormone and cellular metabolism.
- Reduce stress: Sleep, breaks, mental health, and recovery are real protective factors.
Foods rich in antioxidants – for example berries, green tea, broccoli, and tomatoes – can additionally support your cells. According to studies, regular exercise can even reduce breast cancer risk by up to 30 percent. So your body benefits from every active step.
World Cancer Day & Breast Cancer Awareness Month October: Stronger Together
Two dates each year put the topic of breast health in the global spotlight:
World Cancer Day – February 4th
World Cancer Day is supported annually by international health organizations and aims to strengthen awareness about cancer. Each year has a new theme, intended to give courage and motivate early detection.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month October
October is globally the month of breast health. The pink ribbon stands as a symbol of solidarity with those affected. Many organizations offer additional consultations, awareness campaigns, and activities for breast cancer early detection during this time – a good occasion to consciously focus on your own breast health.
Living with Breast Cancer: Support, Self-Care & Help
A breast cancer diagnosis changes your whole life – physically, emotionally, and mentally. Many women report that seeking support was particularly helpful:
- Counseling centers
- Support groups
- Psychological support
- Exchanging with other affected individuals
Your own self-care is just as important. During and after treatment, many women feel much more clearly what is good for their body – and what is not.
What can help you during this time:
- Mindfulness and conscious breaks
- Gentle routines that provide security
- Small Hygge moments to calm body and soul
- A loving approach to yourself, even on difficult days
During your period, you can give your body additional relief by using gentle, sustainable menstrual products. Many women use menstrual cups or menstrual discs during this time because they are body-friendly and contain no irritating substances. If you're curious: We have guides on how to insert the menstrual cup and tips on how you can naturally relieve menstrual cramps.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Cancer Symptoms
The risk increases with age – this is the most important factor. Many diagnoses affect women from about 50 years old. Women with the following also have a higher risk:
- family history or BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation
- very early first menstruation
- late menopause
- no children or a late first pregnancy
- overweight after menopause
- lack of exercise, smoking, or alcohol consumption
Important: Breast cancer can affect any woman, even without identifiable risk factors. That's why prevention is so important.
Typical early symptoms are:
- palpable lumps or hardening in the breast or armpit
- changes in the nipple (retracted, deformed, newly oriented)
- fluid discharge from the nipple (clear, yellowish, or bloody)
- skin changes like redness, swelling, or "orange peel skin"
- size or shape changes in one breast
- hardened lymph nodes in the armpit
In the early stages, breast cancer usually doesn't hurt – which is exactly why it often goes unnoticed. Regular self-examinations and screening examinations are therefore essential.
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is considered particularly aggressive. It accounts for about 15 to 20 percent of all cases and responds neither to hormone therapies nor to certain antibody therapies.
TNBC:
- often grows faster
- has a higher risk of recurrence
- occurs more frequently in younger women
The 5-year survival rate is on average about 80 percent. For comparison: hormone-dependent tumors are often over 90 percent.
Breast cancer usually causes no pain in the early stages. Most malignant lumps are painless, which is why many women don't notice them at first. However, pain can also occur – about 20% of women report breast pain as the first symptom.
Important: Most breast pains have harmless causes like cycle-related changes, mastopathy, or benign cysts. Persistent, one-sided pain unrelated to the cycle should be medically clarified.
Generally: Not every pain means cancer, but even painless lumps can be malignant.
No food can prevent breast cancer, but some foods can lower your risk. Studies show positive effects from:
- Broccoli & cruciferous vegetables – contain sulforaphane
- Berries – rich in antioxidants
- Green tea – contains catechins
- Tomatoes – provide lycopene
- Fatty fish – Omega-3 has anti-inflammatory effects
Additionally helpful: legumes, whole grains, nuts, olive oil, and garlic. A predominantly plant-based, high-fiber diet can reduce the risk by up to 20 percent according to studies.
If you receive a breast cancer diagnosis, there are some things that can be stressful for your body:
- Alcohol – even in small amounts
- Smoking – worsens treatment outcomes
- highly processed and very high-fat foods
- lack of exercise
- heavy lifting & abrupt movements (especially after surgery)
- extreme stress without balance
- sauna & hot baths directly after surgery/radiation therapy
Your medical team knows your situation best – always ask them specifically what applies to you personally.
Medical Disclaimer
This article does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not doctors and cannot provide individual recommendations.
If you notice any changes in your breast – for example lumps, pain, or skin changes – please go early to your doctor. Screening examinations and mammography programs are free or heavily subsidized in many European countries.
You are not alone with questions, fears, or uncertainties. Counseling centers, medical professionals, psychological support, or support groups can accompany you on your journey.
Take good care of yourself – your body deserves attention and care.
About PapayaCup
At PapayaCup, we are wholeheartedly committed to your health and well-being. Our menstrual cup and menstrual disc are gentle, sustainable companions during your period – free from harmful substances, body-friendly, and designed to adapt to your body. In addition, you can also find a supportive herbal tea from us that can accompany you soothingly on intense cycle days.
In our blog, we share knowledge about women's health, menstruation, and self-care – openly, honestly, and without taboos. This way, you can make informed decisions and understand your body even better.
