Breast cancer symptoms women should never ignore, highlights oncologist
New Delhi: This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, make your health a priority. Every day, women juggle multiple responsibilities. From managing work deadlines and household responsibilities to caring for children, supporting family members and keeping up with countless commitments, their to-do lists rarely seem to end. In the middle of looking after everyone else, one important responsibility often gets pushed to the bottom of the list: looking after their own health. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is time to change that.
Add one more thing to your list: check your breast health
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. While a diagnosis can be overwhelming, awareness, timely medical evaluation and appropriate treatment can make a meaningful difference. Taking a few moments to understand your breast health and recognise changes in your body is an important step towards taking charge of your wellbeing.
Why breast health deserves your attention
Breast cancer develops when cells in the breast begin to grow abnormally and uncontrollably. It can affect women of different ages, although the risk generally increases with age. While certain factors, including family history, inherited genetic changes, age and hormonal influences, can increase the risk, breast cancer can also occur in women with no known risk factors. This is why breast health should not be a concern only for women with a family history of cancer or those experiencing symptoms.
Understanding your personal risk, following appropriate screening recommendations and paying attention to changes in your breasts can help you make informed decisions about your health.
Know signs; do not ignore changes
One of the most important steps in breast cancer awareness is knowing what changes to look for. Although a breast lump is a recognised warning sign, it is not the only possible symptom. Be mindful of the following changes:
A new lump or thickening: A lump in the breast or underarm that feels different from the surrounding tissue should be evaluated.
Changes in breast size or shape: Noticeable changes that are new or unusual for you deserve attention.
Skin changes: Dimpling, puckering, persistent redness or skin that resembles an orange peel may require medical assessment.
Nipple changes: A newly inverted nipple or unexpected discharge, particularly bloody discharge, should not be overlooked.
Persistent or unusual discomfort: Although breast pain alone is not usually a sign of breast cancer, persistent or unexplained symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Changes around the nipple or breast skin: A persistent rash, scaling or a sore that does not heal should be evaluated.
Not every breast change indicates cancer. Many changes have benign causes. However, it is important not to dismiss an unusual change simply because it is painless, seems small or disappears and returns. If you notice something new or concerning, consult a doctor rather than attempting to diagnose it yourself.
Know what is normal for you
Being familiar with your breasts can help you notice changes more easily. Pay attention to how your breasts normally look and feel, including variations that may occur during your menstrual cycle. There is no single prescribed breast self-examination technique that has been shown to reduce breast cancer deaths in average-risk women. However, breast awareness – knowing what is normal for your body and recognising changes – is a useful part of looking after your health.
If you notice a change, do not wait for your next routine screening appointment to seek medical advice. A symptom needs diagnostic evaluation, even if you recently had a normal mammogram.
Screening: An important appointment to keep
Breast cancer screening aims to detect cancer before symptoms appear. Mammography, which uses low-dose X-rays to examine breast tissue, is an important screening tool.
The appropriate age to begin screening and the frequency of examinations depend on individual risk and the recommendations followed in your healthcare setting. Women with a strong family history, certain inherited genetic changes or other significant risk factors may need an earlier or more personalised screening plan.
Speak to your doctor about when to begin screening and which approach is suitable for you. Remember that screening and diagnosis are not the same: screening is intended for people without symptoms, while a new breast change may require clinical examination and diagnostic imaging, and sometimes a biopsy.
Most importantly, do not assume that being young, feeling healthy or having no family history means you cannot develop breast cancer.
Early attention can make a difference
A breast cancer diagnosis is not the same as a hopeless outcome. Advances in diagnosis and treatment have expanded the options available to many patients. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy or other specialised treatments. The right treatment plan is individualised and developed by the treating team based on the patient’s diagnosis, overall health and preferences.
Seeking medical attention promptly when a symptom appears can help ensure that the cause is investigated without unnecessary delay. Equally, following recommended screening guidance can support early detection. Awareness is not about living in fear. It is about knowing when to take action.
Make breast health part of your to-do list
This October, as conversations around Breast Cancer Awareness Month encourage women to prioritise their health, make a conscious effort to put your wellbeing on your calendar. Schedule that medical appointment you have been postponing. Speak to your doctor about your breast cancer risk. Find out whether you are due for screening. Learn the warning signs and encourage the women in your life to do the same.
If you are a daughter, remind your mother. If you are a mother, make time for yourself. If you are a friend, start a conversation that could encourage someone to seek medical advice. Small actions can help build a culture in which breast health is discussed openly, and care is sought without embarrassment or fear.
Your to-do list may never be completely finished. But your health should never be an afterthought. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, add one more thing to your list: check your breast health. Know your normal, recognise the signs and seek medical advice when something changes.
Because taking care of yourself is not another task to squeeze into your day. It is a priority worth making time for.
(By Dr Kanmani Govindrao Telkar, Consultant, Breast Oncology & Reconstructive Surgeon, SPARSH Hospital, Hennur Road)
Disclaimer: This article is based on content shared by the doctor mentioned in this article and is intended for informational purposes only. The findings should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised guidance.