October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a special time dedicated to raising awareness about the most common cancer among women worldwide. Breast cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the tissues of the breast, and although it can affect both men and women, it’s much more common in women.
What Are the Risk Factors for Breast Cancer?
While the exact cause of breast cancer isn’t fully understood, certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Some of the key risk factors include:
- Age: The risk increases as you get older.
- Family history: Having close relatives with breast cancer can increase your risk.
- Genetic mutations: Inherited mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 can raise the risk significantly.
- Hormonal factors: Hormone replacement therapy and extended use of birth control may increase risk.
- Lifestyle choices: Alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, and poor diet can also contribute.
What Can You Do to Reduce Your Risk?
While you can’t change risk factors like age or family history, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Stay physically active.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Avoid smoking and tobacco products.
Making these healthy lifestyle choices can go a long way in lowering your risk.
Recognizing the Signs of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer can show up in different ways, and it’s important to stay aware of any changes in your body. Regular self-exams and screenings (like mammograms) are crucial. Here are some common signs and symptoms:
- Lump or Mass: The most common sign. Cancerous lumps are usually hard, painless, and irregular in shape, but they can also be soft or tender.
- Changes in Breast Size or Shape: Unexplained changes in one breast compared to the other or swelling in part of the breast.
- Nipple Changes: Discharge (especially clear or bloody), nipple inversion (turning inward), or crusting/flaking skin around the nipple.
- Skin Changes: Dimpling or puckering of the skin (like an orange peel), redness, or scaling.
- Breast or Nipple Pain: Pain isn’t common in early breast cancer, but discomfort may occur.
- Swollen Lymph Nodes: Swelling under the arm or around the collarbone can be a sign that cancer has spread.
- Thickening of Breast Tissue: Areas that feel thicker or denser than the surrounding tissue.
- Unexplained Warmth or Rash: These could be signs of inflammatory breast cancer, a rare but aggressive form.
- Skin Sores: In advanced stages, the skin might break down, causing sores or open wounds.
- Fatigue or Weight Loss: General symptoms like fatigue and weight loss may occur in advanced breast cancer.
Regular breast self-exams are a useful way to check for any changes in your breasts and detect breast cancer early. While they shouldn't replace mammograms or professional screenings, they can help you become familiar with how your breasts normally feel, making it easier to spot anything unusual. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to perform a breast self-exam:
Step 1: Examine in Front of a Mirror
Stand or sit in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms by your sides. Look at your breasts for any changes in size, shape, or symmetry. Here's what to check for:
- Visible lumps, swelling, or dimpling (skin that looks like an orange peel).
- Changes in the appearance of the nipples (inverted nipples, rash, or discharge).
- Redness, soreness, or scaling of the breast skin or nipples.
Step 2: Raise Your Arms
Raise both arms above your head and look for the same changes. Pay attention to how your breasts move and if any areas look different when your arms are up versus down.
Step 3: Look for Fluid Discharge
Gently squeeze each nipple between your thumb and forefinger to check for any discharge. While some discharge is normal, especially if you've had children, you should see your doctor if you notice a clear, bloody, or milky discharge that isn't related to breastfeeding.
Step 4: Feel for Lumps While Lying Down
Lie down on your back with one arm behind your head (this helps spread the breast tissue more evenly). Using your other hand, feel your breast with the pads of your fingers, not the tips. Use different pressure levels to feel all tissue layers:
- Light pressure: to feel the tissue closest to the skin.
- Medium pressure: to feel a little deeper.
- Firm pressure: to feel the tissue close to the chest and ribs.
Move in a systematic way, either:
- Circular motion: Start at the outer edge of the breast and move in small circles toward the nipple.
- Vertical lines: Move your fingers up and down across the breast, starting at the underarm and moving toward the middle of your chest.
Make sure to cover the entire breast, from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.
Step 5: Feel for Lumps While Standing or in the Shower
Many people find it easier to feel their breasts when their skin is wet and slippery, so doing this in the shower can be helpful. Follow the same motions (circular or vertical) as when lying down, using the pads of your fingers to check the entire breast and armpit area for any unusual lumps or thickening.
When to See a Doctor:
If you find any of the following changes during your self-exam, consult your doctor for further evaluation:
- A lump or thickening that feels different from the rest of your breast tissue.
- Changes in the size, shape, or appearance of your breasts.
- Dimpling, puckering, or redness of the skin.
- Unexplained pain in a specific area that doesn't go away.
- Nipple discharge, especially if it's bloody or clear.
How Often to Perform a Self-Exam:
You should perform a breast self-exam once a month. The best time to do this is a few days after your menstrual period, when your breasts are least likely to be swollen or tender. If you no longer have periods, choose a specific day each month to perform your exam, like the first day of the month.
By regularly checking your breasts, you'll become more familiar with what's normal for you and can detect any changes early. Early detection is key to successful treatment!
Why Is Early Detection Important?
Catching breast cancer early makes a huge difference in treatment outcomes. Regular screenings, like mammograms, can help detect the disease before noticeable symptoms appear. When breast cancer is found early, the five-year survival rate is over 90%.
In the UK, women are automatically invited for breast screening between the ages of 50 and 53, with follow-ups every three years until they turn 71. If you have a family history or personal concerns, speak to your GP about getting screened earlier, and if you’re under 40, an ultrasound may be recommended instead of a mammogram due to safety concerns.
How Can You Support Breast Cancer Awareness?
There are many meaningful ways to show your support for breast cancer awareness:
- Participate in fundraising events.
- Educate others about the importance of early detection.
- Encourage your loved ones to get regular screenings.
- Wear pink ribbons or clothing during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness and show solidarity with those affected.
Together, we can make a difference by spreading awareness, supporting those affected by breast cancer, and working toward a future where this disease is no longer life-threatening. Remember—early detection saves lives!
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Dr Mute'