What is Breast Cancer?
Know Your Body.
Make Your Health a Priority.
October is a month dedicated to raising awareness of breast cancer around the world.
At Bionnex, we believe care goes beyond the skin’s surface. Getting to know your body, noticing changes and seeking advice from healthcare professionals when needed are also important parts of self-care. This Pink October, our aim is to support awareness through accurate information, without creating fear.
Learn About Breast Health ↓What Is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer develops when cells in the breast tissue begin to grow uncontrollably. Most breast cancers begin in the milk ducts or the milk-producing lobules.
Some cancers may remain confined to the breast tissue, while invasive cancer cells can spread to surrounding tissues, lymph nodes and, in more advanced cases, other parts of the body.
Breast cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages. This is why it is important to know how your breasts usually look and feel and to follow the appropriate screening programmes recommended by the health authorities in your country.
Breast Cancer Is a Global Health Issue
Having a Risk Factor Does Not Mean You Will Develop Breast Cancer
Breast cancer does not have a single cause. Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer. However, having one or more risk factors does not mean you will definitely develop the disease.
Equally, having no known risk factors does not mean breast cancer cannot develop.
- Age: Breast cancer risk generally increases with age.
- Biological sex: Breast cancer is much more common in women, but it can also develop in men.
- Family and personal medical history: A history of breast cancer or certain other cancers, particularly in close relatives, may increase risk for some people.
- Inherited genetic changes: Pathogenic variants in BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2 and certain other genes can significantly increase breast cancer risk.
- Dense breast tissue: Dense breast tissue is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and can make some abnormalities harder to detect on a mammogram.
- Previous radiation treatment to the chest: Exposure to radiation in the chest area as part of certain treatments, particularly at a young age, can increase risk later in life.
- Hormonal and reproductive history: Certain reproductive factors that affect the duration of hormone exposure over a lifetime may be associated with risk.
- Alcohol consumption
- Physical activity levels
- Excess weight or obesity, particularly after menopause
- Tobacco use
- Certain types of postmenopausal hormone therapy
Know What Is Normal for You
Breasts naturally vary in appearance and feel from person to person. They can also change over time due to hormonal changes, age, pregnancy, breastfeeding and other factors.
The aim is not to define a single standard of “normal” for everyone, but to understand what is normal for you.
During your everyday activities, become familiar with how your breasts and underarm areas usually look and feel.
Which Changes Should You Look Out For?
Noticing any of the following changes does not necessarily mean you have cancer. Breast changes can have many benign causes.
However, any new, unexplained or persistent change should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
A lump, firm area or thickening that was not there before.
A new change, particularly one affecting only one breast or making it look different from usual.
Dimpling, puckering, thickening, noticeable redness, swelling or an appearance resembling orange peel.
A nipple that has recently turned inward or changed in appearance.
Unusual nipple discharge should be assessed, especially if it occurs without squeezing the nipple or contains blood.
Crusting or flaking that does not heal, or other noticeable skin changes, may require assessment.
Any new or persistent swelling or lump in the underarm should also be assessed.
Speak to a healthcare professional about any new or persistent changes that concern you, including pain.
Breast Self-Examination and Breast Awareness Are Different
In the past, people were often advised to perform a systematic breast self-examination using a specific technique on a set day each month.
Today, many health organisations emphasise that routine, systematic self-examination of this kind is not an effective screening method on its own for people at average risk.
Knowing What Is Normal for You
Be familiar with how your breasts usually look and feel.
Noticing New Changes
Pay attention to unusual changes that arise during everyday life.
Seeking Advice Without Delay
Contact a healthcare professional if you notice a concerning or persistent change.
Screening and Diagnostic Assessment Are Different
Screening aims to detect breast cancer at an early stage in people who have no symptoms.
Mammography is the main imaging method used for breast cancer screening.
Regular screening can detect some breast cancers before symptoms develop.
An assessment carried out because of a new breast lump, a nipple change, unusual discharge or another symptom is different from routine screening.
Depending on your age, symptoms, medical history and clinical assessment, a healthcare professional may recommend mammography, ultrasound, MRI or other tests.
What You Should Know About Mammography
Mammography uses low-dose X-rays to produce images of the breast.
The aim of screening mammography is to detect breast cancer before symptoms develop.
However, no screening method is perfect.
- Can help detect some cancers at an early stage.
- Can sometimes show a suspicious finding even when no cancer is present, leading to further tests.
- May miss some cancers.
- Exposes you to a small amount of ionising radiation.
- Can sometimes detect cancers that would never have caused health problems during your lifetime.
Breast Cancer Risk Varies from Person to Person
Some people may have a higher risk of breast cancer than the general population.
- A strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
- Close relatives diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age.
- Multiple cases of related cancers in the family.
- Known inherited changes in BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2 or other genes associated with an increased risk of cancer.
- A personal history of breast cancer.
- Radiation treatment to the chest at a young age.
Men Can Develop Breast Cancer Too
Breast cancer is much more common in women, but it can also occur in men.
Approximately 0.5–1% of breast cancer cases worldwide occur in men.
Men should seek assessment from a healthcare professional if they notice:
- A new lump in the breast or around the nipple.
- A nipple that has recently turned inward.
- Unusual nipple discharge.
- Noticeable changes in the skin of the breast or around the nipple.
- A new lump or swelling in the underarm.
Common Breast Cancer Myths
“Using deodorant or antiperspirant causes breast cancer.”
Current scientific evidence does not show that using deodorants or antiperspirants causes breast cancer.
There is insufficient scientific evidence to establish a causal link between aluminium-containing antiperspirants and breast cancer.
Similarly, parabens used in some cosmetic products have not been shown to cause breast cancer.
“If I have no family history of breast cancer, I am not at risk.”
Family history can be an important risk factor, but many people diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a known strong family history of the disease.
Having no family history does not eliminate risk.
“A lump is nothing to worry about if it does not hurt.”
Lumps associated with breast cancer can be painless. Any new lump or area of firmness should be assessed, whether or not it hurts.
“If I have mammograms, I do not need to pay attention to changes in my body.”
Having screening does not mean you should ignore a new change. Even after a normal mammogram result, contact a healthcare professional if you notice a new or unusual change.
“If I live a healthy lifestyle, I will not develop breast cancer.”
A healthy lifestyle may help reduce some modifiable risk factors, but no lifestyle can prevent breast cancer completely.
Breast cancer should never be viewed as the result of someone “not living healthily enough”.
What Can You Do for Your Health?
Not all cases of breast cancer can be prevented. However, certain habits can support overall health and may help reduce the risk of some cancers.
Stay Active
Regular physical activity is important for overall health and is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer.
Maintain a Healthy Body Weight
Excess weight and obesity, particularly after menopause, are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Be Mindful of Alcohol
Alcohol is causally linked to several cancers, including breast cancer. Drinking less alcohol is associated with a lower cancer risk.
Avoid Tobacco
Avoiding tobacco is one of the most important ways to reduce overall cancer and other health risks.
Understand Your Personal Risk
Share your family history and relevant personal medical information with your healthcare professional.
Keep Up With Your Screening
Follow the official screening recommendations in your country and your healthcare professional’s advice based on your individual risk.
Underarm Care and Breast Health
The underarm is an area where skin sensitivity and friction are common. Shaving, hair removal, sweating, friction and some cosmetic products can cause temporary irritation.
When caring for your underarm skin:
- Choose products that your skin tolerates well.
- Follow the product’s instructions for use.
- Pay attention to the product’s guidance on use on irritated or damaged skin.
- Consult a healthcare professional about persistent or unexplained skin changes.
This October, Ask Yourself Five Questions
Do I know what is normal for me?
Am I familiar with how my breasts and underarm areas usually look and feel?
Have I noticed a new change?
Is there a new lump, skin change, nipple change or another unusual finding?
Do I understand my personal risk?
Do I know my family’s relevant cancer history and my own medical history?
Do I know when my screening is due?
Am I following the official screening recommendations in my country?
Have I been putting off a health check?
If so, can I add it to my calendar today?
Breast Health FAQ
Does breast cancer only affect women?
No. Although most cases occur in women, men can also develop breast cancer. Approximately 0.5–1% of cases worldwide occur in men.
Does finding a breast lump mean I have cancer?
No. Breast lumps can have many benign causes. However, any new or unusual lump should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Does breast cancer always cause pain?
No. Breast cancer can develop without pain. This is why a new painless lump or any other change should also be assessed.
Should I perform a breast self-examination every month?
Systematic breast self-examination is not an effective screening method on its own. What matters is knowing how your breasts usually look and feel and reporting new changes to a healthcare professional.
Does mammography prevent breast cancer?
No. Mammography is a screening method, not a method of prevention. Its purpose is to detect some breast cancers before symptoms develop.
At what age should I start having mammograms?
Screening recommendations vary between countries and according to individual risk. Follow the recommendations of the official health authority in your country and your healthcare professional’s advice based on your personal risk.
I have no family history of breast cancer. Am I still at risk?
Yes. Although family history is an important risk factor, breast cancer can also develop in people with no family history of the disease.
Do deodorants or antiperspirants cause breast cancer?
Current scientific evidence does not show that using deodorants or antiperspirants causes breast cancer. Aluminium-containing antiperspirants have not been proven to cause breast cancer either.
Is aluminium-free deodorant safer in terms of breast cancer risk?
Based on current scientific evidence, being “aluminium-free” does not mean a product protects against breast cancer or is safer in terms of cancer risk.
Should I have genetic testing?
Genetic testing is not necessary for everyone. If your personal or family history suggests an inherited susceptibility to cancer, a healthcare professional or a specialist qualified in genetic counselling can advise you on an appropriate assessment.
Medical Information Notice
The content on this page is provided for general information and awareness. It does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Breast cancer risk, screening methods and screening intervals may vary depending on your age, medical history, family history, individual risk and the health guidelines in your country.
If you notice a new or unusual change in your breast or underarm, consult a qualified healthcare professional for an appropriate assessment.
Bionnex cosmetic and dermocosmetic products are not intended to prevent, diagnose or treat breast cancer.
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