Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Understanding and Taking Action

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to spreading awareness about breast cancer, its symptoms, and the importance of early detection. Knowing the early signs and how to properly check your breasts can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment if cancer is present.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow abnormally and form a mass known as a tumour. While it mainly affects women, it can also occur in men. Early detection is key to increasing the success rate of treatment.

Early Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Some of the early symptoms of breast cancer to be aware of include:

• A new lump or thickened area in the breast or underarm.
• Changes in the size or shape of the breast.
• Nipple changes, such as discharge, inversion, or peeling.
• Skin changes on the breast, like redness, puckering, or dimpling (resembling an orange peel).
• Persistent breast pain that is not related to menstruation.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to consult a healthcare professional.

What Are Abnormalities in the Breast?

Breast abnormalities can take many forms, and not all are cancerous. Common abnormalities include:

• Lumps or Masses: Hard, irregular, and painless lumps are more likely to be cancerous, while softer, moveable lumps are often benign.
• Texture Changes: Skin dimpling or thickening can indicate abnormal tissue growth.
• Nipple Abnormalities: Discharge, inversion, or crusting of the nipple are all signs of potential issues.
• Swelling: An unexplained increase in size or change in the shape of one breast could be a sign of abnormal growth.

It's important to recognize that not all changes mean cancer, but it's always best to have abnormalities evaluated by a healthcare provider.

How to Properly Check Your Breasts for Abnormalities

Performing regular breast self-exams is an important step in detecting breast changes early. Here’s how to do it properly:

1. Look in the Mirror:
   • Stand straight with your hands on your hips and visually inspect your breasts for any changes in shape, size, or skin appearance. Look for dimpling, puckering, or visible lumps.
2. Raise Your Arms:
   • Raise your arms and look again for any changes in the shape of your breasts. Pay close attention to both sides and beneath your breasts.
3. Check for Nipple Discharge:
   • Gently squeeze your nipples to check for any unusual discharge, such as milky, yellow, or bloody fluid.
4. Feel Your Breasts While Lying Down:
   • Lie down and use the opposite hand to feel each breast. Use the pads of your fingers to apply different levels of pressure in small circular motions, moving from the outside toward the centre. Ensure you cover the entire breast, from the collarbone to the abdomen and from the armpit to the centre.
5. Feel Your Breasts Standing or Sitting:
   • Many people find this easiest in the shower when their skin is wet and slippery. Follow the same circular motion technique to check for lumps.

Taking Action During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, take charge of your health by incorporating regular self-exams and learning the early signs of breast cancer. Awareness, early detection, and timely treatment can save lives. Additionally, if you notice any changes, do not hesitate to book a consultation with one of our doctors. 

Schedule regular mammograms as recommended for your age and risk level, and encourage your loved ones to do the same. Empower yourself with knowledge, and spread the word this October to help raise awareness about breast cancer. Awareness is the first step in the fight against this disease.

Click here to book an appointment with one of our doctors.