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7 early signs of breast cancer

7 early signs of breast cancer

Breast cancer is a rampant health problem across the country, with about 240,000 cases of this disease diagnosed in women and about 2,100 in men every year. Like many other kinds of cancer, breast cancer is easier to deal with for healthcare professionals and patients if it is detected and diagnosed in its initial stages. There are certain typical signs that emerge in this disease’s early stages and keep worsening from thereon.

Symptoms of breast cancer

Change in size or appearance of the breasts
The tumor in breast cancer grows steadily from the initial stages. Therefore, someone with a developing case of this disease will feel a lump or a bulge growing in their breasts. This automatically magnifies the size of one’s breasts over time. This clearly indicates an abnormal and potentially dangerous tumor growing in the breast area. Apart from the size, even the overall appearance of one’s breasts undergoes a transformation when they initially develop this cancer. For example, it is common for someone with this condition to find changes in skin tone and puckering in and around the areola of their breasts.

Swelling in armpits
The swelling that a woman initially discovers in and around her breasts tends to spread to other nearby areas as well. Therefore, this swelling that is first spotted in the chest area may be found in areas such as the armpits and upper part of the diaphragm.

Swelling around the collarbone and armpits are mainly caused by the cancer spreading rapidly across the lymph nodes in those areas. In fact, in many instances, this spread happens even before one feels a lump in their breasts. This is why healthcare professionals advise women to seek help immediately when they experience hardness or swelling in their breasts and armpits.

Pain and tenderness in the chest
Most kinds of breast cancers do not cause a sharp, stinging pain in the breasts in the early phases. However, this health condition does cause deep and nagging pain in the breasts and surrounding areas. Mostly, women with initial-stage breast cancer experience a sensation of discomfort and pressure in the affected areas. As the malignancy progresses, people with this condition will experience excruciating pain in the later stages. Therefore, it is imperative for women who face the above-mentioned nagging pain to consult an oncologist or, simply, their local physician and get a quick checkup to get an accurate diagnosis.

Apart from breast cancer, other non-cancerous conditions, such as mastitis, also bring about pain in the chest. So, a quick checkup and diagnosis also confirm that someone does not have cancer. This can greatly relieve and alleviate some of the stress that a cancer diagnosis inherently brings.

Irritation in the breast skin
Tumors generally cause changes and debilitation to the skin layers above them. So, along with the nagging pain, women tend to experience itching and irritation in their breasts in the initial stages of breast cancer. The itching and irritation are also brought about by the inflammation that breast cancer causes in and around the lymph nodes and breasts in women.

Dimpling in and around the nipples
As implied above, breast cancer causes widespread inflammation in a woman’s chest area. One of the by-products of this inflammation is dimpling. It involves the blockage of lymph vessels in the skin of people. These vessels carry lymph, the fluid that facilitates the carriage of excessive fluids throughout one’s body to the bloodstream.

Redness and rashes in and around the breasts
As stated earlier, one of the common effects of initial-stage breast cancer is the changes it brings to the skin in and around a woman’s breasts. One such effect caused directly by the malignancy is rashes and redness around the areola. In many cases, the rashes can be found in areas as distant as one’s underarms and the side profile. As implied earlier, these rashes have a peculiar color and appearance that does not match the surrounding skin area. Skin redness is accompanied by the customary itching and irritation in the area.

Nipple retraction
The skin and nodes are not the only zones directly affected by the malignancy. A common indicator of breast cancer is also when a woman’s nipples point inwards (as opposed to pointing outwards, which is the natural position of the breasts). The skin getting affected, and the changes in the cellular structure of the breasts are responsible for this inversion.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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8 bad habits that could lead to kidney failure

The kidneys' primary function is as the body's natural detoxifier. They filter all the toxins from the blood and turn waste into urine. In addition, they regulate electrolytes, release hormones, and control blood pressure levels. Since kidneys perform these essential functions, taking good care of them is paramount. And one can do so by avoiding certain unhealthy practices and bad habits that could lead to kidney failure. Let's take a look. Overeating of processed foods Packaged snacks, cold cuts of meat, pre-packaged meals, and other processed foods contain high percentages of sodium, sugar, unhealthy fats, phosphorus, and artificial additives and preservatives. An overconsumption of such foods increases the risk of developing hypertension and heart diseases. Moreover, the high amount of sodium and phosphorus in these foods disrupt the normal functioning of the kidneys. Thus, overeating processed foods must be avoided for better kidney health. Not drinking enough water When one has enough water throughout the day, it helps the kidneys to filter out the excess sodium and toxins from the body. Also, being sufficiently hydrated is an excellent way to prevent kidney stones from developing. So it is essential to drink an adequate amount of water. Being dehydrated too frequently puts pressure on the kidneys. Due to this, the kidneys cannot function properly, increasing the risk of kidney disease. Adding excessive salt to foods When salt is added liberally to meals, it runs the risk of increasing sodium levels in the blood. When there is excess sodium, the kidneys cannot filtrate and remove it. The additional sodium starts to accumulate in the bloodstream. This results in high blood pressure which also affects the kidneys' function. So instead of adding too much salt to foods, use spices and herbs to balance the flavors. Having sugary foods It's essential to be mindful of the amount of sugar we consume, as it can increase the likelihood of kidney disease. Overindulging in sugary foods and drinks, such as adding extra sugar to tea, coffee, baked goods, or desserts, can also put us at risk for diabetes, further harming our kidneys. To minimize the risk, it's best to limit or avoid sugary options and instead choose healthier alternatives or sugar substitutes like stevia, agave, fruit pulp, coconut sugar, or date sugar. Not exercising regularly Staying physically active can help you burn extra calories and maintain healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Engaging in activities like swimming, walking, running, dancing, or other exercises can reduce your risk of health issues like kidney disease and keep your heart and kidneys in good shape. It's important to include a variety of exercise routines in your daily routine that match your overall health and age. Overeating meat Consuming excessive meat can cause a rise in acid levels in your blood after digestion due to the proteins it contains. Consistently eating meat-heavy meals may increase the acidity in your blood, which can harm your kidneys' normal function. This is because the kidneys may be unable to eliminate the excess acids, leading to acidosis quickly. However, as protein is an important nutrient, balancing your meat intake with fruits, vegetables, and lentils is beneficial. Having an irregular sleep schedule Maintaining a regular sleep routine is important to prevent health issues like kidney problems. The kidneys function best when regulated according to the body's natural circadian rhythm, the 24-hour internal clock that controls our sleep cycle. A fixed sleeping routine helps maintain this rhythm and optimizes all bodily functions, including the kidneys. This prevents extra pressure on the kidneys, as their workload is evenly distributed over the 24 hours. Doing strenuous workouts It is essential to have an active exercise routine. But going overboard can be damaging to the kidneys. When one works out for too long or too hard, it can cause damage to muscle tissues. These tissues start to break down quickly. This condition is known as rhabdomyolysis. Due to this, toxic substances enter the bloodstream. When the kidneys filter this blood, these substances cause damage. So when one continues to overtrain over a long period, it increases the risk of kidney failure. If you have been advised to limit your potassium or phosphorus intake, contacting your dietitian or nephrologist is essential. Additionally, regular checkups are crucial to stay informed about your health. Doing so allows you to effectively manage your health and enjoy a stress-free life.

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