As a woman, few things are as scary as noticing a lump in your breast. You start to worry about a thousand bad possibilities. This is understandable, but do not panic – not every breast lump is cancerous. It is, however, still important to get evaluated by a doctor when you notice any type of lump in your breasts.
Breast cancer is pretty common among women. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, in 2020, 1 in 4 cancer diagnoses among women turned out to be breast cancer. This accounts for over 2 million new cases of breast cancer in women.
Although there is a growing awareness of breast cancer, the word mustn’t stop spreading. This is because of the importance of early diagnosis in breast cancer treatment and prevention.
Breast cancer is when cancer develops in the breast cells. This cancer forms in the lobules or ducts of the breast. For clarity, the lobules aids milk production, while the ducts carry the milk to the nipples. Now, these cancer cells can take over healthy breast tissue. It can also move to the lymph nodes under the arms and other body parts.
What are some breast cancer symptoms?
Breast cancer may not show any signs or symptoms in the early stages. Sometimes, a tumour may be too tiny to be felt during an examination. However, the most common breast cancer symptoms include the following:
- Breast lump
- Breast pain
- Red skin over the breast
- Swelling on a part or all of the breast
- Strange nipple discharge
- Bloody discharge
- Peeling or scaling skin on the nipple or breast
- A sudden change in the size or shape of the breast
- Changes in the appearance of the breasts
- A lump under the arm
Noticing any of the symptoms does not mean you have cancer. However, be sure to see your doctor for examination and testing. You can book an appointment on Doctall to see a doctor now.
How to do a breast self-exam
In any type of cancer, early detection is essential. What breast self-examination does is to help you identify changes in your breast, tell you when something is wrong and spur you to see a doctor.
Here is how to carry out a breast self-exam:
Step 1:
Stand in facing a mirror with your arms on your hips and your shoulders straight. Take a look at your breast carefully and look for the following:
- Changes in the usual shape, size, and colour
- Distortion or swelling
- Dimpling, or bulging of the skin
- Change in the position of your nipple
- Redness, rash, and swelling on your breast
Step 2:
Raise your arms high and search for the same changes.
Step 3:
Note if fluids are coming out of your nipples.
Step 4:
Lay down and feel your breasts. Use your left hand to feel your right breast and your right hand to feel your left breast. You can begin at the nipple and move your hands in circles until you reach the outer edge of your breast. Ensure that you also check the area close to your armpits.
Step 5:
Now feel your breasts while standing or sitting. You can also try this step in the shower; your wet skin helps to quickly identify strange things. Cover your breast with the same hand movements in step 4.
Although the thought of breast cancer is scary, detecting it earlier rather than later is essential. A simple breast self-exam can help you notice lumps; do this once a month. You can also visit a doctor once yearly for regular examinations at the hospital or speak to a doctor on Doctall for guidance.