Study shows adults need more education on breast cancer symptoms

By Pol Allingham via SWNS

Adults need education on breast cancer symptoms, according to new research.

Researchers found nearly all adults recognize a lump as a symptom of breast cancer, but less than half can spot other common symptoms.

Lesser known signs of the disease include a retracted, inverted, or downward-pointing nipple, or a nipple that produces discharge.

Another indicator could be an indentation in the breast that appears when you raise your arms, known as breast puckering.

Loss of feeling in part of the breast can be another red flag, as well as the skin on the breast pitting or thickening.

Just 31 percent of people recognized a retracted, inverted or downward-pointing nipple as a breast cancer symptom, in the OSU survey.

Breast puckering was a cancer warning sign for 39 percent, and 41 percent knew losing feeling in their breasts should prompt them to seek medical attention.

Pitting and thickening of the breast skin was a known symptom for 45 percent, and 51 percent would be concerned by nipple discharge.

Professor Ashley Pariser, of Ohio State University (OSU) in the US, said: “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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“Although the disease is less common in men, one percent 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.”

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancer diagnosed in women – in 2023 it is expected that just under 300,000 new cases will be diagnosed and 43,000 will die.

In the UK, there are 55,900 new breast cancer cases and around 11,500 deaths each year, according to Cancer Research UK.

However, the survey showed few believe they will get the disease that affects around one in eight women.

Among the respondents, 75 percent of women and 91 percent of men didn’t believe they will get breast cancer.

Screening mammography is a top tool for detecting the disease early.

The research revealed a third of women were confused by recommendations for breast cancer screenings, rising to 44 percent of those under 30.

The American College of Radiology and American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists recommend screening from the age of 40 for those with an average risk.

Breast cancer experts encourage people to speak with their doctors about their personal cancer risks and family history, to personalize their screening plan.

Professor Pariser noted those with dense breast tissue should be closely monitored because they have a slightly higher risk, and dense tissue can conceal small tumors.

He added black people and Ashkenazi Jews have a higher risk and should speak with a doctor about a more intensive screening program.

The research has been published by The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, which also offers tips on what to do if your breasts start to change.