Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women over the age of 60,000 new cases every year. It is important to understand and highlight the symptoms and risk factors associated with this cancer in order to put in place more effective prevention, early detection and treatment strategies.

What are the main risk factors for breast cancer?

Les risk factors of breast cancer are multiple. In 99% of cases, this cancer develops in women. Alone 1% of breast cancers affect men.

The first risk factor is age. In fact, 80% of breast cancers occur in patients of over 50. In addition, the probability of having breast cancer increases with Number of menstrual cycles of women over a lifetime; that is, the duration of exposure to natural hormones. For example, a woman who had her period before the age of 11 and who had menopause after 50 has a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

The lifestyle is also worth considering. Smoking, alcohol consumption, overweight or even low physical activity can be causes of breast cancer.

Finally, the family history And the genetic predisposition are also to be taken into account. 10% of breast cancers occur in these situations.

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What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

Some symptoms of breast cancer are relatively characteristic but do not automatically mean the presence of a cancerous tumor. It is therefore very important to do frequent screenings and to seek medical advice in case of doubt.

The first symptom is the presence of a”“Boule” in the breast. It corresponds to a mass, with irregular and immobile contours in the breast. Ganglia (i.e. hard masses) may also be present in the armpits. These “balls” are not painful in the majority of cases. One change in the skin of the breast or nipple (change in shape, appearance, appearance of redness,...) can also be observed in patients with breast cancer. Finally, more classic symptoms may appear at a more advanced stage of cancer: nausea, weight loss, shortness of breath, bone pain or even headaches...

If breast cancer is suspected, tests are carried out to confirm the diagnosis. One mammography, a breast ultrasound and sometimes a Breast MRI can be carried out.

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Sources: National Cancer Institute, Ameli, Léon Bérard Center