NINE in ten women know a lump is a tell-tale sign of breast cancer — but less than half are aware of the other warning signs. That is according to a survey of 1,000 adults, which has revealed a concerning gap in knowledge.
It found 93 per cent of people knew to look out for lumps. Just 31 per cent were aware that an inverted, retracted or downward-pointing nipple was another symptom, however. A similar proportion (39 per cent) recognised breast puckering as a warning sign of the disease, according to the Ohio State University research.
Fewer than half of respondents knew about a loss of feeling in the breasts or pitting or thickening of the skin. Most breast cancer cases do not present with a lump which is detectable to touch and if they do, it often an indicates a fast-growing or advanced-stage cancer that is less treatable, experts say.
‘Screening mammography is our number one defence in detecting and addressing breast cancers at their earliest, most treatable stages’, said Professor Ashely Pariser, lead researcher. ‘It is also very important for people to be familiar with the look and feel of their own breasts tissue so that subtle changes can be evaluated quickly to give us the best chance at early detection.
‘We want people to feel empowered about their bodies and know what is normal for them. ‘Many breast changes are the result of aging and childbirth; however, breast cancer can present in a number of ways.
‘It is important that people feel safe to address these concerns in a timely way with their doctor. We have made great strides in detecting breast cancers in far earlier, more treatable stages.’
The survey included men. Around 55,000 women and 370 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK, says Breast Cancer Now. Meanwhile, roughly 300,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed in women every year in the US.
HOW AND WHAT SHOULD YOU CHECK?
Checking your breasts could help find signs of breast cancer early. This means you have a better chance of beating the disease, experts say. It should be part of your monthly routine so you notice any unusual changes, charity CoppaFeel says.
But according to a YouGov survey commissioned by Breast Cancer Now, 39 per cent of women don’t bother.
More than half who do not check their breasts simply forget to, while 16 per cent do not know how to check.
You can check in the shower, when you are lying down in bed or in the mirror before you get dressed.
Because breast tissue isn’t just found in your boobs, it’s also important that men and women check the tissue all the way up to their collarbone and underneath their armpit. There is no right or wrong way to check your breasts, as long as you know how your breasts usually look and feel, says the NHS.
But one of the most popular methods online involves using the pads of your fingers. Simply, rub and feel from top to bottom, feel in semi-circles and in a circular motion around your breast tissue to feel for any abnormalities, according to a guide shared in a blog post by the University of Nottingham.
If you spot any changes you should get it checked out by your GP. Women aged between 50 and 70 should also be attending routine breast cancer screening.
Check for…
A lump or swelling
Using your fingers feel for lumps or swellings in the breast, upper armpit and chest. A lump or an area of thickened breast tissue that doesn’t move easily is one of the first noticeable symptoms of breast cancer, says the NHS.
And according to the American Cancer Society, it’s the most common symptom. It says the lumps are often hard and painless. But when feeling for unusual lumps and bumps it is important to know what is normal for you, experts say.
The NHS advises women get used to how their breasts feel at different times of the month. This is because some women have tender and lumpy breasts, near the armpit, around the time of their period.
The feel of your breasts can also change after the menopause as normal breasts can feel softer less firm and not as lumpy. As well as checking for lumps, visible changes to the shape and size of the breast is also important.
Changes to the skin
Another common sign of breast cancer is a change the skin. This can usually just be seen in the mirror and includes puckering or dimpling of the skin. The dimpling skin is often compared to orange peel and can be associated with inflammatory breast cancer, which is a rare but aggressive form of cancer.
A change in colour is also a warning sign to get checked out, says Breast Cancer Now. If you notice your breast looks red or inflamed, it could be a sign of cancer. Pain is only a symptom of breast cancer in rare cases, the NHS says. But if you feel pain or discomfort in one breast that doesn’t go away you should see your GP.
A nipple change
It’s important to not just check your breast tissue for abnormalities, but also your nipples, experts say.
Look for rashes or crusting around the nipple. The NHS says this could look like eczema, crusting of the skin, scaly, itchy or red skin.
You should also check the position of your nipple, the NHS advises. If it is being pulled in or starting to point in a different way to usual, it could be a sign of breast cancer. Another warning sign to get checked out by your GP is discharge from either nipple.
Discharge is more common in Ductal Carcinoma in situ, which is an early form of breast cancer that starts in the milk ducts. Cancer Research says the discharge can also be blood stained. Mail Online
