Even though women are far more likely to contract breast cancer, it affects both men and women. Thus, it is important for both sexes to be well-versed in the "tells" of this particular cancer. Understanding the potential symptoms--such as the link between cancer and breast pain--can allow you to catch breast cancer early before it has a chance to spread.
Breast Cancer
According to Medline Plus, breast cancer will affect one of every eight women, on average. Breast cancer can begin anywhere in the breast, but the most common locations of its origin are in the lobules (the glands which produce milk) or in the ducts which transport milk from the lobules to the nipple. Women are 100 times more likely than men to suffer from breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Symptoms
Early breast cancer usually presents few symptoms. These include alterations in the characteristics of the breast (size, shape or coloration), pus-like discharge from the nipple or a lump in the breast or surrounding area of the armpit. More advanced breast cancer presents additional symptoms, such as swelling of the arm near the affected breast, unexpected weight loss and localized breast pain.
Isolated Breast Pain
According to information from eMedicineHealth.com, isolated breast pain (breast pain without any other symptoms) is very rarely related to cancer. Other more likely causes of breast pain in this scenario would be injury, infection or just normal fluctuations in hormone levels that trigger some slight level of discomfort.
Conjunctive Symptoms
According to information from Merck.com, breast pain is the first symptom of breast cancer in only five percent of cases. This means that there is rarely cause for worry unless your pain is present in conjunction with one of the basic symptoms of breast cancer listed above, such as alterations to the breast, discharge from the nipple or the presence of a lump.
Considerations
It is difficult to be too proactive when it comes to detecting cancer early, so the best step to take if you are experiencing breast pain is to conduct a self-exam to check for a lump or other early warning signs of cancer. If you are unsatisfied or unsure of your ability to properly conduct a self-exam, rely on your physician to provide a more definitive answer. Remember that detecting cancer early is one of the crucial steps to effective treatment, so do not feel embarrassed about scheduling an appointment with your doctor for localized breast pain.
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