Breast cancer: 10 signs to watch out for

Breast cancer: 10 signs to watch out for

Breast Cancer is one of the most common cancer diagnosed in women, though it can occur in men but it is most common in women.

According to World Health Organization it is estimated that 42,260 deaths (41,760 women and 500 men) from breast cancer will occur this year.

About 62% of women die of cancer because they fail to go for regular cancer check ups.

According to Cancer Net, breast cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer in women in the United States, after lung cancer.

However, since 1989, the number of women who have died of breast cancer has steadily decreased due to early detection and treatment improvements.

Currently, there are more than 3 million women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States.

Avon launched a campaign to educate the women about breast cancer and it discovered that a large number of women do not know the early stages of breast cancer.

According to the Independent, 42% knew what changes to look for in their breasts while a quarter of women thought that a lump was the only sign.

“Early detection is crucial to fighting breast cancer, yet our survey found that women don’t know their risks or what signs to look for,”  said Sheri McCoy, chief executive of Avon.

Women are advised to check their breasts each month. Warning signs include:

  • A lump
  • Change in breast size or shape
  • Rash or skin sores
  • Nipple discharge
  • Skin indentation
  • Constant pain
  • Change in skin texture
  • Swelling around the armpit or collarbone could be an indicator
  • Growing vein
  • Inverted nipple (any change in nipple position, such as your nipple being pulled in or pointing differently)

When one notices any of these signs, it is advisable to visit a General Practitioner who will perform some examinations and later refer you to a specialized doctor.

According to Breast Cancer Now, one in eight women in the UK  develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime, despite this a large number of women do no check their breasts for the symptoms.

According to National Health Service, another sign to watch out is bleeding from the nipple.

Tags:

Breast cancer

Want to send us a story? SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp 0743570000 or Submit on Citizen Digital or email wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke

Leave a Comment

Comments

No comments yet.

latest stories