October is celebrated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness about breast health and promote screening for the disease. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S. and the second leading cause of cancer death in women.
It is a disease in which breast cells grow out of control and turn cancerous. The cancer may begin in milk glands or ducts that carry milk to the nipple and as it progresses, it can spread to lymph nodes and other areas. When the cells spread to other areas, it is called metastatic cancer.
With early detection and treatment, 90% of early-stage breast cancers are curable.
In this “Pink October,” an expert shares why screening is crucial for the early detection of breast cancer.
What are the signs to look out for?
Breast self-examinations can help detect cancer signs early. While doing so, it is important to understand what is normal for each person, according to Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky, breast and gynecologic medical oncologist at Valley Health System, New Jersey.
“Guidelines differ on whether people should routinely do self-breast examinations but I do think it is important for people to know their ‘normal’ so that they can identify any new or concerning symptoms that may develop. I do recommend that people feel their breasts at different times of the month as well,” Dr. Teplinsky told Medical Daily.
- New lump in the breast or armpit – The appearance of a lump is usually the first sign of breast cancer. However, all breast lumps are not cancerous. For example, a noncancerous Fibrocystic condition and cysts can also cause breast lumps.
- Change in breast size and shape – Watch out for changes in the shape and size of breasts, but know that these changes can also be due to menstruation, childbirth, weight loss or weight gain, and due to certain medications.
- Nipple discharge, pulling in of the nipple and pain in the nipple area – Discharges that are bloody or clear can be a warning sign.
- Dimpling of the skin, redness of the skin – Pay…
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