How to recognize the symptoms of breast cancer

Most breast cancer screening guidelines recommend that women undergo a routine checkup from age 40, or earlier in the case of family history. However, women of all ages need to be aware of possible changes in breasts and ask for medical advice if they notice something unusual, says Dr. Deborah Rhodes, a specialist in internal medicine.

Signs of breast cancer

Dr. Rhodes says that young women, even those who do not have a family history of breast cancer, should never ignore changes in the appearance or feel of their breasts, including:

– A lumen or thickening of the breast that feels different from the surrounding tissue

– a change in the size, shape or appearance of the breast

– changes in the skin of the breast, like dimples

– an inverted nipple that was not before

– bloody discharge from the nipple

– Exfoliation, crusting or peeling of the pigmented area of ​​the skin surrounding the nipple (areola) or breast skin

– Redness or texture of the breast skin similar to that of an orange peel

In contrast, Dr. Judy Boughey, a breast surgeon at Mayo Clinic, led a study of more than 46,000 women aged 15-49. According to the results, it has been determined that although teenage girls and young women make up less than 2% of breast cancer patients, they are usually diagnosed with more advanced cancers with more aggressive tumor biology.

"According to the research, very young women aged 15 to 29 years have had a more advanced disease than those aged 30 to 39. It is therefore very important that younger women notice any changes in their lives. breasts and consult their doctor about it, "says Boughey.

One of the problems that have the most impact on women with breast cancer is their body image, before hair loss and other effects of chemotherapy treatment, but – fundamentally – among those who should undergo a treatment. mastectomythat is, the complete elimination of one or both breasts.

Self-examination of the breasts

"The ideal is to do it after menstruation, when the breasts they are not so sensitive and inflamed"Says Dr. Carlos Dipietrantonio (MN73621), a specialist in gynecology, obstetrics and breast pathology. The suggestion is to do it once a month in front of the mirror and after the shower.