MedDroid
Ask MedDroid
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, though men can get it too. Found early, it is very often treatable — which is why knowing your normal and getting changes checked matters.
Causes & risk factors
- Increasing age (most cases are after 50)
- Family history or inherited genes (BRCA1/BRCA2)
- Early periods or late menopause (longer oestrogen exposure)
- Not having children, or a first pregnancy later in life
- Being overweight after menopause, and regular alcohol
- Previous breast cancer or certain benign breast conditions
Common symptoms
- A new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
- A change in breast size, shape or skin (dimpling, puckering)
- Nipple change — turning inward, discharge or a rash
- Swollen glands in the armpit
- Redness or an orange-peel look to the skin
- Unexplained weight loss (advanced disease)
Tests & diagnosis
- Clinical breast examination
- Mammography
- Breast ultrasound
- Core-needle biopsy
- Breast MRI in selected cases
Treatment & management
- Surgery — lumpectomy (breast-conserving) or mastectomy
- Radiotherapy, often after breast-conserving surgery
- Chemotherapy before or after surgery in many cases
- Hormone therapy for hormone-receptor-positive cancers
- Targeted therapy (e.g. for HER2-positive cancers)
- Treatment is planned by a specialist team and tailored to you
When to see a doctor urgently
- Any new breast or armpit lump that does not go away
- Nipple discharge (especially bloodstained) or a nipple that turns in
- Skin dimpling, puckering or a persistent rash on the breast
Frequently asked questions
Does a breast lump always mean cancer?
No — most breast lumps are benign (such as cysts or fibroadenomas). But only a doctor can tell, so any new or changing lump should be checked promptly.
At what age should I start screening?
It varies by country and personal risk. Many programmes screen women from around 40–50. If you have a strong family history, ask your doctor about starting earlier.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.