Does early-stage breast cancer hurt?

Written by Zhang Chao Jie
Breast Surgery
Updated on February 05, 2025
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Early-stage breast cancer almost has no symptoms, and over 90% of breast cancer cases do not involve pain symptoms, especially in the early stages. This means that only early-stage breast cancer combined with breast hyperplasia-like diseases might involve pain. Generally speaking, early-stage breast cancer has no pain symptoms, and one might not feel anything abnormal. It is only during a health checkup that breast cancer can be detected by a breast specialist through palpation or imaging techniques such as color Doppler ultrasound or mammography without the patient feeling any symptoms. Pain may occur only if there is early-stage breast cancer combined with hyperplasia, or if the breast has been injured.

Other Voices

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Breast Cancer Screening Methods

Breast cancer screening methods start with manual palpation to check for lumps. Second, mammography is used, which is the most effective method for early diagnosis of breast cancer with a sensitivity of 80%-90%. Additionally, breast ultrasound and B-ultrasound examinations can be performed, which are simple, safe, and non-invasive. Another available method is breast MRI, which provides more accurate differentiation between benign and malignant tumors. Lastly, a biopsy using a hollow needle can also be done.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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Breast cancer chemotherapy regimen

Breast cancer chemotherapy regimen. Thus, chemotherapy occupies a very important position in the treatment of breast cancer. The commonly used chemotherapy drugs in breast cancer treatment include alkylating agents, such as cyclophosphamide; antimetabolites like fluorouracil, methotrexate, gemcitabine, and capecitabine; anthracyclines, such as doxorubicin and others. In recent years, taxanes, particularly docetaxel, have been used more frequently. Other drugs include mitomycin and cisplatin, among others. However, the specific chemotherapy regimen for breast cancer should be assessed by a professional oncologist. The regimen should consider the pathological stage, pathological type, whether surgery was performed, whether the surgery completely removed the tumor, lymph node metastasis, and other factors to devise a suitable chemotherapy plan. Therefore, it is possible that each individual might have a regimen that is specifically suited to their situation, and not all regimens are suitable for everyone.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Early manifestations of breast cancer

Early-stage breast cancer is primarily characterized by a single, painless small lump, which is hard with unclear boundaries and a rough surface, blending indistinguishably with surrounding tissues and difficult to move within the breast. It is usually discovered accidentally or while bathing. Swollen lymph nodes may be present, and the nipple may be inverted with possible bloody discharge. As the tumor grows, it may invade the Cooper's ligaments, causing the skin to dimple, a condition known as peau d'orange. These are all early symptoms of breast cancer. If the condition progresses, it may lead to a skin texture resembling orange peel.

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Written by Fan Hong Qiao
Breast Health Department
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Does breast cancer have a genetic component?

Breast cancer is somewhat related to genetics and has a certain familial predisposition. It manifests as a higher incidence rate in relatives with breast cancer, especially in closer blood relations, and daughters may develop the disease at an earlier age than their mothers. There is also a higher risk of bilateral occurrence and a tendency for other malignant tumors to develop in different parts of the body. Additionally, if a family has at least two sisters with breast cancer and their mother is not afflicted by the disease, the susceptibility of this family is about three times higher than average, commonly occurring after menopause, and usually affecting one side. Of course, the influence of human genetic factors on the development of breast cancer is multifaceted. The occurrence of breast cancer is affected not only by genetic factors but also by many other factors, which have a cumulative effect of risks. It is recommended that individuals from families with a history of breast cancer should undergo regular screening, improve their lifestyle, and avoid the accumulation of risk factors, which can also enable earlier detection and treatment of breast cancer that has already developed.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Can being angry cause breast cancer?

Frequent anger in women is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. The causes of breast cancer are not yet fully elucidated, but recent research suggests that its development may be related to various factors. These include familial factors, reproductive factors, levels of sex hormones, and relevant genes. Frequent anger in patients can cause instability in the body's hormones, leading to exacerbated breast hyperplasia. Increased breast hyperplasia can then lead to the formation of small nodules in the breast. Due to the stimulation of estrogen in the body, these breast nodules are more likely to become cancerous. Therefore, it is important to maintain a cheerful mood, minimize anger, and eat more foods containing vitamins, as Vitamin A plays a role in protecting breast cells.