Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 30: Breast cancer remains one of the most pressing health concerns for women globally. With approximately 2.3 million new cases diagnosed each year and over 670,000 deaths reported in 2022 alone, experts warn that the burden is set to rise significantly. Projections by the International Agency for Research on Cancer estimate that by 2050, annual cases may reach 3.2 million, with over 1.1 million deaths if current trends persist.

In most cases, breast cancer begins with the formation of a lump. Medical research and clinical observations confirm that the upper outer quadrant of the breast—closest to the armpit—is the most common site where these cancerous lumps emerge. This region accounts for nearly 60 to 70 per cent of breast cancer cases. The reasons are twofold: this quadrant contains denser breast tissue and extends toward the axilla (armpit), where vital lymph nodes are located, making it more susceptible to malignancy.

A detailed 2019 study involving 290 patients highlighted the prevalence of tumors in different breast regions. Around 70 per cent of patients had tumors in the upper outer quadrant, while the lower inner quadrant accounted for 14 per cent, the upper inner for 10 per cent, the lower outer for 4.5 per cent, and only 1 per cent had central tumors near the nipple.

Cancerous breast lumps are often firm or hard, immobile, irregular in shape, and typically painless. In contrast, benign lumps—such as cysts, fibroadenomas, or fibrocystic changes—tend to be softer, movable, and sometimes tender, particularly during menstrual cycles.

Apart from lumps, other early signs of breast cancer include skin dimpling, nipple inversion, unusual discharge, and swelling under the arm due to enlarged lymph nodes. Experts stress that while not all lumps are cancerous, prompt medical evaluation is essential for any persistent or unusual breast changes.

Though 80 to 90 per cent of breast lumps are found to be benign, healthcare professionals recommend further diagnostic tests such as mammograms, ultrasounds, or biopsies to confirm their nature. Early detection is key—when caught in the early stages and localized, breast cancer has a survival rate exceeding 95 per cent.

Notably, cancers that begin in the upper outer quadrant have shown slightly better outcomes, likely due to earlier detection and lower chances of immediate lymph node involvement. As awareness grows, so does the importance of recognizing not just lumps but other subtle symptoms. Timely action remains the strongest ally in the fight against breast cancer.