Adults need better education on the wide range of breast cancer symptoms, new research has found.
Researchers found nearly all adults recognise a lump as a symptom of breast cancer, but less than half can spot other common symptoms.
Lesser known signs of the disease include a retracted, inverted or downward-pointing nipple, or a nipple that produces discharge.
Another indicator could be an indentation in the breast that appears when you raise your arms, known as breast puckering.
Loss of feeling in part of the breast can be another red flag, as well as the skin on the breast pitting or thickening.
Just 31% of people recognised a retracted, inverted or downward-pointing nipple as a breast cancer symptom, in the OSU survey.
Breast puckering was a cancer warning sign for 39%, and 41% knew losing feeling in their breasts should prompt them to seek medical attention.
Pitting and thickening of the breast skin was a known symptom for 45%, and 51% would be concerned by nipple discharge.
‘Screening mammography is our number one defence in detecting and addressing breast cancers at their earliest, most treatable stages,’ said Professor Ashley Pariser, of Ohio State University, which published the research.
‘But it is also very important for people to be familiar with the look and feel of their own breast tissue so that sometimes 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 ageing 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.’
Professor Pariser also highlighted the importance of men being aware of the risks and symptoms.
‘One per cent of breast cancers occur in men.
‘These cancers typically present as nipple changes, so it is also important that men feel empowered to seek medical attention for concerning symptoms, especially if they have a strong family history of breast cancer.’
In the UK, there 55,900 new breast cancer cases and around 11,500 deaths each year, according to Cancer Research UK.
However, the survey showed few believe they will get the disease that affects around one in eight women.
Among the respondents, 75% of women and 91% of men didn’t believe they would get breast cancer.
Screening mammography is the top tool for detecting the disease early.
The research revealed a third of women were confused by recommendations for breast cancer screenings, rising to 44% of those under 30.
Symptoms of breast cancer and how to check yourself
Look
- Look at your boobs, pecs or chest
- Look at the area from your armpit, across and beneath your boobs, pecs or chest, and up to your collarbone
Be aware of any changes in size, outline or shape and changes in skin such as puckering or dimpling.
Feel
- Feel each of your boobs, pecs or chest
- Feel the area from your armpit, across and beneath your boobs, pecs or chest, and up to your collarbone
Be aware of any changes in skin such as puckering or dimpling, or any lumps, bumps or skin thickening which are different from the opposite side.
Notice your nipples
- Look at each of your nipples
Be aware of any nipple discharge that’s not milky, any bleeding from the nipple, any rash or crusting on or around your nipple area that doesn’t heal easily and any change in the position of your nipple.
The American College of Radiology and American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists recommend screening from the age of 40 for those with an average risk.
Breast cancer experts encourage people to speak with their doctors about their personal cancer risks and family history, to personalise their screening plan.
Professor Pariser noted those with dense breast tissue should be closely monitored because they have a slightly higher risk, and dense tissue can conceal small tumours.
He added black people and Ashkenazi Jews have a higher risk, and should speak with a doctor about a more intensive screening programme.
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