Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, so it’s vital to know the signs and symptoms to look out for – and how to check your breasts properly
Breast cancer has touched the lives of many in Ireland, with one in seven women receiving a diagnosis during their lifetime. This could be a family member, a cherished friend, or even oneself. Each year, over 3,500 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Ireland, along with 30 to 35 men.
For women, it is the most common form of cancer after skin cancer. Thankfully, treatments have significantly advanced over time. Sonya Carr, Cancer Awareness coordinator and nurse at the Irish Cancer Society, states that many cases of breast cancer can now be cured, and survival rates have greatly increased. However, early detection is key. Sonya emphasises the importance of women regularly examining their own breasts and being vigilant for any changes. She provides guidance on how to properly check your breasts and what signs of cancer to be alert for. ‘Traditionally, people always think of a lump when they think of breast cancer, but there are other symptoms to look out for,’ Sonya told RSVP Live . ‘Of course, any kind of thickening or lump in the armpit or breast should be checked out.’ Changes in the size and shape of the breast are also a cause for concern. ‘If there’s changes in the skin of the breast – any puckering, ridges, dimpling, or ‘orange peel’ texture, they should all be checked out.’ Redness requires further investigation, according to Sonya, as do abscesses or boils. ‘Anything red or tender should be looked at by a doctor.’ Swelling is another warning sign, which may appear in the breast, armpit or along the collar bone. The breast feeling warm to the touch can be another indicator. ‘That can be a kind of inflammatory process going on.’ Whilst pain alone is rarely a sign of breast cancer, it should always be examined, she adds. People should also monitor their nipples closely. ‘Some people are born with inverted nipples, which means their nipples go inwards. If that’s normal for you, that’s okay. However, if your nipple isn’t like this normally and changes to inverted, get this looked at. If the nipple is pulled in, sunken or if it’s flattened, you should get it checked.’ Any discharge from the nipples, such as blood stained fluid or watery discharge, should be examined, and if the nipple’s skin becomes scaly, flaky, crusted over or there’s a rash, people should seek further investigations, Sonya says. Sonya adds that nine times out of 10, these changes aren’t breast cancer, but people should always visit their GP to get them checked out just in case. People should check their breasts every month, Sonya explains. ‘Once you know what your normal is, it’s easier to know what’s abnormal. If you know your breast tissue well, you’ll be able to pick up things earlier and that’s what we want.’ Anyone with breasts can develop breast cancer at any age, and individuals should begin self-examinations from 18 onwards. For women still menstruating, they should examine themselves the week following their period, every month. This is because hormonal fluctuations in the week before menstruation can affect the breasts, making them tender, Sonya explains. For women who no longer menstruate, they should select a specific date and maintain that schedule each month. ‘Put a reminder in your phone to do this, make it consistent.’ Regarding how to conduct the examination yourself, it’s relatively straightforward. ‘Stand in front of the mirror, with both arms down by your sides. Get used to looking at your breasts face on. Look for any changes in the skin, size and shape of the breast or nipple. You can then put your hands on your hips and lean forward slightly to get a visualisation that way.’ For the physical aspect of the examination, the simplest approach is in the shower, Sonya advises. ‘Use a warm soapy hand. Use the flat part of your middle three fingers and circulate from the nipple outwards in a clockwise motion. Feel for any lumps on changes. You’re going to go up as far as your collar bone because there are lymph nodes there and they could be raised. ‘You should also check under your armpit as there’s lymph nodes there too, and the breast tissue actually extends to under the armpit.’ This should be repeated on the opposite side. For women with larger breasts, lying down during the physical examination can make it easier. ‘Raise one arm up behind your head to examine under your armpit and go right up to the collarbone again.’ BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme, provides free mammograms to women aged 50 to 69, and Sonya emphasises it’s crucial that people attend their appointment when invited. They should also verify their details are up to date on the register. If people discover any changes, they need to visit their GP, who will refer them for further investigations if required. ‘You may have a mammogram done, which is an x-ray of your breasts. Some people may have an ultrasound scan, and some have a biopsy, where a sample of the tissue is sent away to be examined under a microscope. Some people might have all three done, depending on their case.’ If people are diagnosed with cancer, their treatment will depend on the type of cancer they have. It can include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and surgery. Complementary therapies are available, but Sonya cautions that people should always consult their doctor before trying any of them as they can interfere with medical treatment. These can include massage, acupuncture, Tai Chi, aromatherapy, music therapy, hypnosis, yoga, meditation, mindfulness, relaxation techniques and exercise. ‘They are designed to go along with medical treatment, not replace.’ Sonya explains that cancer impacts more than just physical health – it takes an emotional toll as well. ‘It affects you as a person. People can experience a range of emotions before, during and after their treatment. There is no right or wrong way to feel. Everyone is individual and will deal with it differently.’ She emphasises the importance of acknowledging these feelings and emotions. Common reactions include shock, disbelief, denial, fear, uncertainty, loss of control, sadness, anger, resentment, blame, guilt and a tendency to withdraw and become isolated, according to Sonya. ‘People cope differently. Some people want to learn everything they can about their illness and understand their treatment. Other people want to talk about their illness with family and friends and join support groups. ‘Some choose not to talk about it at all, they just want to get through it and keep life as normal as possible.’ She advises people to be compassionate with themselves and allow time for both themselves and their loved ones to adjust to the situation. How can we support loved ones who have been diagnosed? ‘It’s okay not to know what to say or do. They might want to talk about it, or they may want to talk about other things. Let the person know you’re there for them and ask them what they want from you.’ Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Breast Cancer Care
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