GREAT BAY--When most people think about breast cancer, they think about finding a lump. A lump is one of the best-known warning signs, but it is not the only change that can signal a problem.
As The Peoples’ Tribune begins its Breast Cancer Awareness Series, the first message is simple: women should know what is normal for their breasts, pay attention to changes and seek medical advice when something new or unusual appears.
Breasts naturally change over time. Hormones, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ageing, weight changes and other factors can all affect how breasts look and feel. Many breast changes are not caused by cancer. The concern is when a change is new, unexplained, persistent or clearly different from what is normal for that individual.
One possible warning sign is a new lump or thickened area in the breast or underarm. Some lumps may feel hard, while others may feel different from surrounding tissue. A lump does not automatically mean cancer, but any new lump should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Changes in the size, shape or appearance of a breast can also deserve attention, particularly when the change affects one breast and has no obvious explanation. Swelling of all or part of the breast may occur even when no lump can be felt.
Women should also pay attention to changes in the skin. Dimpling, puckering or skin that begins to resemble the texture of an orange peel can be signs that require medical evaluation. Persistent redness, thickening or swelling should also be discussed with a doctor, especially if the condition does not improve.
The nipple can provide important clues as well. A nipple that suddenly turns inward, changes position or looks different from usual should not simply be dismissed. Unexplained nipple discharge, particularly discharge containing blood, also warrants medical attention. Changes such as scaling, crusting or irritation around the nipple should be checked if they persist.
Breast or nipple pain can occur for many reasons and pain alone is often not cancer. Still, persistent pain in one particular area, especially when accompanied by another breast change, should be evaluated.
Another point worth remembering is that breast cancer does not always produce symptoms in its early stages. A woman can feel completely well and still have an abnormality detected through screening. This is one reason breast awareness and appropriate screening work together.
Knowing your breasts does not mean becoming frightened by every change. It means becoming familiar enough with your own body to recognize when something is different.
Women should notice how their breasts normally look and feel, whether while dressing, bathing or during everyday life. The objective is not to constantly search for disease, but to avoid ignoring changes that deserve attention.
Family history is also important, but it should not create a false sense of security. A woman should not assume she is safe simply because no close relative has had breast cancer. Personal risk can be influenced by several factors, and women should discuss their own circumstances with a healthcare professional.
If a change is discovered, seeking medical advice does not mean assuming the worst. Many breast lumps and changes turn out to be benign. What matters is allowing a qualified professional to determine what is happening rather than waiting, guessing or hoping the change disappears.
Fear can sometimes cause people to delay making an appointment. Others may hesitate because they are busy, worried about the cost, uncomfortable discussing breast health or afraid of what a test might reveal. But delaying an evaluation does not change what is happening in the body.
Early detection remains an important part of improving breast cancer outcomes. When breast cancer is identified earlier, there may be more treatment options available and a better opportunity to address the disease before it has spread.
Throughout October, The Peoples’ Tribune Breast Cancer Awareness Series will continue examining screening, mammograms, risk factors, family history, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.
For this first installment, the message is straightforward: do not wait for a lump before paying attention. Know what is normal for your breasts, recognize unusual changes and have persistent concerns checked by a healthcare professional.
