No one wants to have the “cancer talk”. It’s tragic, depressing and hopeless. But it’s a talk that we must have regardless.
When it comes to mothers and women, the most common cancer that you need to worry about is breast cancer.
Breast cancer kills hundreds of Malaysian women every year. It is one of the many silent female killers; often targeting those approaching their golden years, but younger ones may get it too.
In 2020 alone, over 40, 000 new cases of breast cancer were reported. And this is not counting all the active cases still at large or left undiagnosed.
According to this research, there are many subtle symptoms that are often overlooked by cancer victims. If you’re over the age of 40, it’s time to look for these warning signs; especially if cancer runs in your family. Here are some subtle signs of breast cancer to watch out for.
Changes in Size
Almost all women have asymmetric breasts (one breast being bigger than the other). And this will usually be the case for your entire lifetime.
Breast cancer can change the shape and size of your breast. Even so far as to change the texture of the skin surrounding the breast, often turning it dimply. Many women have compared this change to resembling an orange peel.
These changes in size can often be caused by swelling, and may even be accompanied by a tightening of the skin.
Changes in Colour
Breast cancer can often leave physical marks on the breast. Red and pink patches, mostly.
However, this can be easily missed for people with darker coloured skin. You may not have any other early symptoms besides this and even then, it will likely go unnoticed.
If you have fair or lighter coloured skin, this is probably the first sign you should watch out for.
Other Changes
You should also be wary of any other slight changes to colour, texture and size that are not mentioned above. On any area of the breast.
Some women, for instance, reported having a red spot on their breast that turned out to be cancerous. Others noticed some rash and scaly skin texture forming on the skin of their breasts.
Depending on the stage, and how aggressively the cancer spreads, these symptoms could vary greatly between each patient.
Nipple Changes
Changes can be experienced not only on the skin of the breast but also on the nipples. Puckering or inversion of the nipples are two symptoms that are often reported.
Other changes may include red, irritated, dry nipples. Or nipples that are cracked, itchy, flaking or otherwise not looking the way it’s usually supposed to. Changes in thickness and puffiness should also be noted and checked.
Discharge
Discharge refers to any liquid that comes out from the breast through the nipple. The most common form of this is breastmilk. Any discharge that is not a result of breastfeeding can be a sign of cancer.
It’s true that many women continue to discharge for three years, even after weaning their baby.
However, if you’ve stopped nursing children decades ago and are somehow experiencing discharge, it’s time to get checked. Especially if the discharge is coupled with bleeding or pinkish coloured liquid.
Swelling
Pain is often one of the last signs and usually a serious one. At this point, it’s no longer a ‘subtle’ sign. Even if its normal, temporary pain that comes and goes.
This can either be a swelling of the breast itself or swelling of the nearby lymph nodes. Typically, ones under the armpit and under the collarbones.
Your breast may feel tender to the touch, inflamed or bruised looking. Note that swelling can also happen without any presence of lumps. So just because you don’t feel any, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get checked.
Early Detection Can Save Your Life
The thing about breast cancer that makes it so dangerous and lethal is that the symptoms don’t typically present themselves until it’s too late. So, if you’re already noticing any of these signs, it’s a good indicator that the cancer may be there.
So ideally, as soon as you turn 40, start going for a mammogram screening. A mammogram is the most accessible breast cancer screening that you can get for yourself.
Do not delay in going for a mammogram. Yes, mammograms can be scary and uncomfortable, but they will save your life.
A mammogram can help to detect early stages of cancer before it has chance to spread.
Save your future, get screened for breast cancer. It may just save your life.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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