Breast cancer: Symptoms to watch out for as general guidance
Last year, there were more than two million new cases of breast cancer around the world, according to the World Cancer Research Fund. While anyone can be diagnosed with the disease, women need to be especially on guard. In fact, the illness is now the most commonly occurring type of cancer in women.
Breast cancer is not uncommon in the Solomon Islands and one of the best ways to protect yourself is to carry out self-examination and keep an eye on any warning signs.
Let’s take a look at some signs to watch out for as reported by the Canadian Cancer Society
Important Advice. Please note, however, these notifications do not replace the need for you to consult with a medical doctor should you have a concerns over symptoms you might find when carrying out a self-examination.
Lumps in the armpit
When carrying out a breast self-exam at home, you should watch out for lumps in the armpit area. These are known as axilla and can be an early warning sign of breast cancer, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. If you notice a lump when doing a self-examination, it’s worth visiting a health professional to have a formal exam.
Changes in breast shape
If you’re looking out for breast cancer symptoms, any changes could be significant. That includes any change in the shape of your breasts that happens over a short period of time. While this sign does not necessarily mean you have cancer, it is still worth speaking to a doctor if you notice it. You may be given a breast physical exam or advised to undergo further testing.
Changes in breast size
Of course, your natural breast size can change for numerous reasons, such as hormonal changes and aging. However, if your breasts suddenly change in size over a short period, you may want to see a doctor, as this could be a sign of cancer.
Inverted nipples
Another area of your breasts that you should be checking regularly is your nipples. Look for nipple changes as a part of your breast self-exam. A nipple that turns inward is medically known as an “inverted nipple” and could be an early sign of breast cancer. Of course, there could be other reasons for this issue, so speak to a professional if you have concerns.
Other nipple changes
Have your nipples changed in some other way? It’s worth noting that any changes in your nipple area could be an early sign of breast cancer, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. If you notice any differences, however minute, when looking at your n*pples in the mirror, you should speak to your doctor.
Discharge from your nipples
Do you find that you have discharge from your nipples? If liquid comes out of your nipples without you squeezing the area, it could be an early sign of breast cancer. Speak to your doctor as soon as possible. You may need a physical exam to determine what’s causing the issue.
Coughing
Sure, coughing is normal when you’ve got a cold or chest infection. But if you’re coughing for no reason, there could be a problem. When breast cancer spreads, or metastasizes, it often moves to the lungs, which can result in a persistent cough. Again, if you are concerned about this symptom, you should speak to a doctor to see if you need further tests.
Loss of appetite
While most people find that their appetite ebbs and flows, losing it completely could be a cause for concern. Like coughing, loss of appetite is among the late symptoms of breast cancer that has spread. Of course, there can be many reasons for a loss of appetite, but if you have concerns, consider going to see a medical professional.
A firm lump in the breast
The most common symptom of breast cancer is a firm lump in the breast. For that reason, you should regularly perform self-examinations on your breast area. Feeling for differences in texture will allow you to determine whether there is a lump there. If you detect this sign, make sure to have it checked by a professional.
General breast pain
Breast pain in women is common and often linked to their menstrual cycle, typically occurring about a week before their period begins. But while most forms of breast cancer do not cause breast pain, it can still be an early symptom of the disease. If you experience persistent breast pain that is not related to menstruation, you should speak to a doctor.
Thick or hard breast tissue
If you notice that the skin of your breasts feels thicker, you should see a doctor right away. Thickening of the breast tissue is often caused by an infection called mastitis, which can be treated with antibiotics. However, it can also be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer, a rare, invasive disease in which the lymph vessels of the breast become blocked.
Weak muscles
When you hit the gym, do your muscles feel weaker than usual? Muscle weakness can stem from many health conditions as well as everyday causes such as lack of sleep or a particularly demanding workout. At the same time, it can sometimes indicate a more serious issue, including advanced breast cancer. If you experience muscle weakness for no apparent reason, it’s important to consult a doctor.
Bone pain
As noted by the Canadian Cancer Society, bone pain can be a late symptom of breast cancer that has spread. In an everyday context, aches and pains in the bones may be symptomatic of conditions such as arthritis, and they come with the natural weakening of the bones and joints that occurs with age. Whether you’re experiencing mild discomfort or severe aches, it’s important to speak to a doctor. A medical professional will be able to prescribe pain relief medication, if necessary, and advise you if you need further care.
Weight loss
Have you suddenly started shedding pounds? Natural changes in your size due to eating habits and activity level are nothing to worry about. However, if there is no obvious cause for your weight loss, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. Unexpected weight changes can be due to emotional stressors, thyroid problems, and certain medications, but they can also stem from more serious issues. The Canadian Cancer Society lists weight loss as a late sign of breast cancer.
Nausea
Nausea is symptomatic of a range of illnesses, including stomach problems, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and even ulcers. However, nausea can also be a warning sign of breast cancer, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. If you experience bouts of sickness, which may be combined with tiredness, you should see a medical professional. While these symptoms alone may not point to cancer, it’s worth speaking to a doctor.
Yellow areas of skin
Look out for sudden changes in the colour of your skin. Yellow patches or areas of the skin could be signs of jaundice, an illness caused by a build-up of bilirubin in your body. This condition is symptomatic of issues such as liver disease, pancreatitis, and gallstones. It is also among the late warning signs of breast cancer. If you notice that your skin has taken on a yellow hue, make sure to speak to your doctor.
Yellow eyes
Similarly, a yellowing of the whites of your eyes could also point to jaundice. As previously mentioned, this condition is linked to a variety of illnesses, but it can also be a late sign of breast cancer. Speak to your doctor if you have concerns so that you can determine what’s causing the problem.
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath is most commonly associated with heart and lung issues such as low blood pressure, asthma, and arrhythmia. Since the lungs are a common site of metastasis, shortness of breath can also be a symptom of advanced breast cancer. Once again, contact your doctor as soon as possible if you have concerns.
Headaches
Do you regularly suffer from headaches? Most headaches have no known cause and don’t point to a serious medical problem. It is when they are unusual or particularly painful that you should consider seeing your doctor. In rare instances, such headaches can be caused by a tumour or blood clot. Headaches can also be a late sign of breast cancer if the disease has spread to the brain. In this case, they may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as confusion and memory loss.
Double vision
If you begin to experience double vision, you should consult your eye doctor as soon as possible, as it could be a sign of an underlying vision problem. Surprisingly, double vision can also occur in the advanced stages of breast cancer in the rare cases where the disease spreads to the eye.
Comment.
I repeat the advice that one should consult with a medical doctor if after any self-examination you have any cause for concern and the notes I have quoted are for guidance only.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
