5 Warning Signs of Breast Cancer Every Woman Should Know

Breast Cancer: A Silent Threat Women Should Be Aware Of

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in Thailand and worldwide. Recent statistics indicate that approximately one in eight women may develop breast cancer during her lifetime.

The good news is that when breast cancer is detected at an early stage, the likelihood of successful treatment can exceed 90%.

Learning to recognise warning signs from the body is therefore an important skill for every woman, as it may help detect breast cancer at an early stage.

Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

1. A New or Unusual Lump

A hard lump in the breast or underarm that does not move easily when touched may be an important warning sign of breast cancer.

One concern is that cancerous lumps often do not cause pain during the early stages, leading some people to overlook them.

Recommendation: Become familiar with the normal appearance and feel of your breasts by checking them regularly. For women who menstruate, the breasts may be easier to examine approximately 7-10 days after the menstrual period begins, when hormonal changes and breast tenderness are usually reduced.

Regular observation can help you notice unusual changes more quickly.

2. Changes in the Breast Skin

Visible changes in the breast skin should not be ignored. These may include:

๐ Dimpling or indentation

๐ Wrinkling or puckering

๐ Skin resembling the surface of an orange, known as peau d’orange

๐ Unusual pulling or tightening of the skin

These changes may occur when an underlying growth pulls on the surrounding skin or affects lymphatic drainage.

How to observe: Stand in front of a mirror, raise both arms above your head, and compare the shape and symmetry of both breasts. Consult a doctor promptly if you notice unusual skin changes.

4. Unusual Breast Pain

Most breast cancers do not cause pain during the early stages. However, persistent pain that is unrelated to the menstrual cycle and occurs mainly in one breast should not be ignored, particularly when accompanied by other abnormalities.

Recommendation: Consult a doctor if breast pain continues for more than two to three weeks, does not appear related to your menstrual cycle, or occurs with a lump, skin change, swelling, or nipple abnormality.

5. Changes in Breast Size or Shape

A noticeable change in the size or shape of one breast may be a warning sign, especially when the change is new and does not resolve.

Possible changes include:

๐ One breast becoming unusually larger or smaller

๐ Swelling in one breast

๐ A visible change in breast shape

๐ New asymmetry between the breasts

These changes may sometimes be associated with a growth developing inside the breast.

How to observe: Regularly compare both breasts for changes in size, shape, and symmetry. Consult a doctor if an unusual change persists.

Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines

Regular breast cancer screening is important because it can help detect cancer at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful.

Screening approaches may include:

1. Breast Self-Awareness

๐ Become familiar with the normal appearance and feel of your breasts.

๐ Report any new or persistent changes to a healthcare professional.

2. Clinical Breast Examination

๐ A doctor or nurse may examine the breasts and underarm areas for lumps or other abnormalities.

๐ The recommended frequency depends on age, symptoms, personal risk, and medical advice.

3. Mammography

๐ Women may be advised to begin regular mammography from around the age of 40, depending on individual risk factors and their doctor’s recommendations.

๐ Women at higher risk may need to begin screening earlier or undergo additional tests.

4. Breast Ultrasound

๐ Ultrasound may be useful for evaluating a breast lump or abnormality.

๐ It is often used alongside mammography, particularly in women with dense breast tissue.

๐ It may also be considered for women with a family history of breast cancer, based on medical assessment.

What Should You Do When You Notice a Warning Sign?

1. Consult a Doctor Promptly

Do not wait for the symptom to become severe. Early assessment may increase the likelihood of detecting and treating a problem promptly.

2. Record Your Symptoms

Note when the symptom began, how it has changed, whether it is related to the menstrual cycle, and whether anything makes it better or worse.

3. Prepare Your Family Medical History

Inform the doctor if close family members have had breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or other related cancers.

4. Ask Questions

Do not hesitate to discuss your concerns, possible tests, results, and treatment options with your doctor.

 

Reference :

Piyavate Blog Breast Cancer Early Detection Warning Signs
ArokaGO Providers Piyavate Hospital