The words “breast cancer” are perhaps the scariest words a woman can hear and without a doubt, it’s one of the scariest diagnoses a woman can receive. It attacks without bias and oftentimes with no warning at all. According to the CDC, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. About 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over their lifetime. That means a woman’s risk of being diagnosed is around 13%. But it doesn’t just affect women. While the risk is much lower (around 1 in 833), men can develop breast cancer, too.
Research also shows that about 35% of women diagnosed will have a mastectomy, sometimes a double mastectomy, as part of their treatment. These statistics don’t include the women with the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 gene mutation. Women with these genes have an 80% higher risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime and often choose to have a mastectomy preventively.
The numbers sound scary, but knowledge is one of our best tools against this disease. As October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’ve put together a list of symptoms to be on the lookout for and a list of resources should you or someone you know be diagnosed.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Symptoms of breast cancer can vary widely from person to person, and while sometimes there are no symptoms at all, it’s important to know what to look for. According to the American Cancer Society, any of the following changes in the breast can be a sign of breast cancer.
- Swelling of all or part of the breast
- Breast pain
- Skin irritation or dimpling
- Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin.
- Nipple pain or the nipple turning inward
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk
- A lump in the breast or underarm area
It’s important to remember that if you find yourself experiencing any of these signs and symptoms, don’t panic. While they are signs of breast cancer, they can also be signs of less serious conditions, like a cyst or infection. This is why it’s vital you see a doctor if any of these symptoms arise.
One way to be vigilant about breast health is to incorporate self-exams into your monthly healthcare routine. While there isn’t one test that can detect all breast cancers early, it is believed that performing self-exams – in addition to other screening methods – can greatly increase the odds of early detection. Self-exams are also a no-cost and convenient tool that can be used by anyone of any age.
How to perform a breast self-exam:
- Start by looking at your breasts in the mirror. Hold the shoulders straight and put your hands on your hips.
- Look for a change in size, shape, and color.
- If you see the following changes, contact a doctor:
- Puckering, dimpling, or bulging of the skin.
- Inverted nipples or nipples that have changed position.
- Soreness, redness, swelling, or rash.
- Raise the arms and look for the same changes as above.
- While in front of the mirror, look for fluid coming from one or both nipples. This fluid could be watery, yellow, milky, or bloody.
- Lie on your back and feel your breast. Use the right hand to feel the left breast and the left hand to feel the right breast. Using a firm but smooth touch, move the pads of your fingers in a circular motion around the breasts.
- Be sure to cover the entire breast from side to side and top to bottom. This means from the collarbone to the top of the abdomen and from the armpit to cleavage.
- Follow a pattern that is easy to remember so you can be sure you cover the entire area. Try starting at the nipple, moving in larger circles until you reach the out edge of the breast. Use light pressure to feel the tissue just beneath the skin, medium pressure when you reach the center of your breast, and firm pressure to feel the deep tissue in your back.
- The final step is to feel the breasts while standing or sitting. Consider doing this right after a shower as it is easier for many women to feel the breast when skin is wet and slippery. Cover the whole breast using the same movements described in step four.
If you feel a lump, don’t panic. Most women find a lump or lumpy area in their breasts at some time or another and usually the lumps are benign. As we stated above, many symptoms of breast cancer can also be symptoms of less serious conditions. The best thing you can do is call your doctor to report the findings and schedule an appointment.
If you are over the age of 40 or if you are at higher risk of developing breast cancer, you should also schedule an annual mammogram. The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chances are of beating it.
Breast Cancer Resources
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with breast cancer, then you know what a scary and isolating feeling it can be. Below we’ve put together a list of resources many people have found useful, ranging from support to treatment.
- Breastcancer.org
- Breastcancer.org is an online community dedicated to helping women understand the complexity of all things breast cancer. From risks to diagnosis, their goal is to help you make the best decisions for your health.
- Cancer.org
- Finding people who understand what you’re going through can make a big difference in the healing process. The support and program section of this website will help you find support groups in your area.
- Koman.org
- The cost of treatment is often something breast cancer patients can’t prepared for. Koman.org helps to find financial support for breast cancer patients.
In the Houston area, some local resources include:
- The Rose Center for Breast Health Excellence
- The Rose offers a variety of resources, regardless of ability to pay, including mammograms and a mobile mammography bus.
- MD Anderson Cancer Center
- With locations from The Woodlands to League City, MD Anderson offers breast exams and mammograms to the greater Houston area. In addition, their website provides information and links to additional resources.
You’re Not Alone
Whether it’s a personal diagnosis or that of a loved one, breast cancer is never an easy thing to go through. Being prepared and knowing what resources are available to you are two of the best ways to cope with and fight the illness. As always, your Best Neighbors Ever will strive to be one of those resources for you.