This month provides an opportunity for us all to focus on breast cancer and its impact on those affected by the disease in our community.
The total breast cancer cases notified by county of usual residence between the years 2020 and 2023 amounted to 4,824 people in Kenya, Nairobi County leading with the highest number of diagnosed people at 550 followed by Nakuru County which registered 398 people.
Finding breast cancer early provides the best chance of surviving the disease. While mammograms can help to detect cancer before you can feel a lump, breast self-exams help to be familiar with how your breasts look and feel so you can alert your doctor if there are any changes.
Take the time to ‘get to know’ how your breasts normally look and feel through normal regular activities such as showering, getting dressed, using body lotion or looking in the mirror.
You don’t need to use a special technique, but ensure you look at and feel your breasts regularly. Make sure this includes all parts of your breast, your armpit and up to your collarbone.
For women of all ages, it is recommended that you be breast aware.
Changes to look for include:
- a new lump or lumpiness, especially if it’s only in one breast
- a change in the size or shape of your breast
- a change to the nipple, such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion
- a nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing
- a change in the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling
- An unusual pain that doesn’t go away.
Visit a doctor in case you notice any changes in your breast.
Breast cancer signs
According to doctors, it is quite difficult for breast cancer to get diagnosed for women under 40 because their breasts are denser. This means that a tumour, if present, is not likely to show up in a mammogram.
The most common way to detect breast cancer in younger women is to keep a close check on the changes in your breasts. In fact, according to Healthline, a majority of young women diagnosed with breast cancer discover an abnormality themselves. If you notice any changes in your breast, like changes in the skin, nipple discharge, pain, tenderness, or a lump or mass in the breast or underarm area, please report it immediately to a doctor.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women and there is a misconception among people that it only happens to older women. While it’s true that most breast cancers are found in women who are 40 years or older, it is imperative to know that it can strike any female at any age.
Pain in any Area of The Breast
Check for pain and tenderness in any area of your breast. While lumps don’t usually hurt, some may cause a prickly sensation. However, pain in your breasts can also be due to numerous other benign reasons and hormonal changes.
Unusual Nipple Discharge
An unusual nipple discharge that’s clear, red, brown, or yellow (other than breast milk) can be an early sign of breast cancer. If you notice this, consult a doctor for an evaluation.
Breast Changes
Look for changes in shape, swelling, and difference in size, texture, or temperature of either one or both breasts.
Unexplained Redness/Rash
Early warning signs of breast cancer can include unexplained redness, swelling, itchiness, or rash on one or both breasts.
Swelling around the Collarbone or Armpit
Consult your doctor if you notice swelling around your collarbone or under the arm. It could be a sign that the breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in that area.
While these are some of the early signs of breast cancer, it is important to remember that these can also be caused by benign conditions. It’s always best to consult a doctor so that they can evaluate and help you determine whether it is cause for concern.
Apart from this, it’s also important to keep in mind that often, women with breast cancer have no symptoms. This is why regular breast screening is important to detect it. The main tool to diagnose breast cancer is a mammogram, which basically shows normal and abnormal breast tissue.
It is recommended that women should start getting mammograms when they cross the age of 40 and should continue getting one every 1 or 2 years. Meanwhile, for women above the age of 20, monthly breast self-examination is recommended.
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