by Colleen Fleiss on October 17, 2023 at 2:28 AM

While a significant 93% of adults can identify a lump as a breast cancer symptom, less than half are aware of other commonly associated signs, revealed a consumer survey commissioned by The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC - James).

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The crab that invades the breast is no more a fear factor with all the advancements that medical science and customized protocols can fight breast cancer. the recent developments in the management of breast cancer.

Experts say this is very concerning, since most breast cancers do not present with a lump that can be detected by touch - and if they do, it often an indicates a fast-growing or advanced-stage cancer that is less treatable.

Importance of Mammography and Self-Awareness in Breast Cancer Detection

"Screening mammography is our No. 1 defense in detecting and addressing breast cancers at their earliest, most treatable stages, but it is also very important for people to be familiar with the look and feel of their own breast tissue so that sometimes subtle changes can be evaluated quickly to give us the best chance at early detection," said Ashley Pariser, MD, a breast medical oncologist and director of breast cancer survivorship services at the OSUCCC - James.

"We want people to feel empowered about their bodies and know what is normal for them. Many breast changes are the result of aging and childbirth; however, breast cancer can present in a number of ways," said Pariser. "It is important that people feel safe to address these concerns in a timely way with their doctor. We have made great strides in detecting breast cancers in far earlier, more treatable stages."

Quiz on Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women. It is often said that a woman who breast-feeds is at a lower risk of developing cancer compared to another who does not .Are these mere old wives tales or is there some truth in it? This quiz on breast cancer has all the details.

These lesser-known symptoms of breast cancer include:

  • retracted, inverted or downward-pointing nipple

  • breast puckering (an indentation that appears when you raise your arms)

  • loss of feeling in part of the breast

  • pitting/thickening of the skin on the breast

  • nipple discharge

In this new survey, just 31% of survey respondents recognized a retracted, inverted or downward-pointing nipple as a symptom of breast cancer, and just 39% recognized breast puckering as a symptom. Less than half of survey respondents were aware of loss of breast feeling (41%), pitting/thickening of the breast skin (45%) or nipple charge (51%) as concerns worthy of medical attention.

"The best way for us to find breast cancer early is for women to present as soon as they notice a change, ideally even before they see a change. So that's why we recommend screening mammograms for those who qualify if we want to find breast cancer early," said Pariser, who also is an assistant professor in the College of Medicine and an affiliate member of the Cancer Control Program at the OSUCCC - James.

The American College of Radiology and American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists recommend begin screening at age 40 for people of average risk. OSUCCC - James breast cancer experts encourage each person to talk with their physician about their personal cancer risk and family history to personalize their screening plan.

Pariser notes that people with dense breast tissue should be closely monitored because they are at slightly higher risk and dense tissue can mask small tumors. Black and Ashkenazi Jewish people should also have a conversation about more intensive screening due to higher risk.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosed in women behind skin cancers, with just under 300,000 new cases and 43,000 deaths expected in 2023. This new consumer survey, however, shows that few believe they will get the disease, which afflicts about one in eight women. Among respondents, 75% of women and 91% of men don't believe they will get breast cancer.

"So, although we are making great strides in terms of detection and treatment, unfortunately we live in a world where breast cancer is still a serious concern for people," said Pariser. "Although the disease is less common in men, 1% of breast cancers occur in men. These cancers typically present as nipple changes, so it is also important that men feel empowered to seek medical attention for concerning symptoms, especially if they have a strong family history of breast cancer."

References :

  1. Most breast cancers don't start with a noticeable lump - here is what you need to know about subtle symptoms -(https://cancer.osu.edu/news/most-breast-cancers-dont-start-with-a-noticeable-lump)

  2. Breast cancer can take many forms — here are 5 lesser-known symptoms to look for -(https://health.osu.edu/health/cancer/lesser-known-breast-cancer-symptoms)