Although “breast cancer” is a serious disease that can cause death, every woman can be aware of this disease by regularly observing their own breasts initially to see if there is anything abnormal. If you find anything suspicious… do not ignore it. You should see a doctor as soon as possible because the earlier you know… the less loss you will have.
Warning Signs Indicating “Breast Cancer”
- Feeling a lump in the breast area
Most patients come to see a doctor because they feel a lump in the breast or under the armpit. The lump may be painful or painless. Although you can observe breast abnormalities yourself, if the lump is small, it is not easy to detect by yourself. Usually, the lump must be larger than 1 cm to be felt, and most lumps are found when the cancer cells have grown to stage 2-3. Having a specialist doctor examine or using various tools will yield better results.
- Changes in the size or shape of the breast
Although normally both breasts may differ slightly in size and shape, regularly observing changes in the breasts is beneficial because noticing unusual characteristics early helps patients be aware of the disease from the beginning stage.
- Dimpling of the breast skin
If the breast skin is dimpled like a dimple or swollen and thick like an orange peel, including changes in the color or skin of the nipple from before, it may be a sign that cancer cells have spread to the subcutaneous tissue. If you have these symptoms, you should see a doctor for a detailed diagnosis immediately.
- Lymph or fluid discharge from the nipple
Especially if the lymph or fluid is blood-colored, you should see a doctor immediately.
- Abnormal breast pain
Some patients feel a lump but no pain, some do not find a lump but have pain, or both pain and lumps together. Anyone with these symptoms should not ignore them!!! Because these are signs indicating a risk of breast cancer.
Who should undergo breast cancer screening?
All women are at risk of “breast cancer,” and the risk increases after the age of 35, so breast examinations should be done. There are also several other risk factors that warrant screening…
- No children or having the first child after age 35
- Family history of breast and ovarian cancer
- Obesity, especially women in menopause
- Behaviors such as alcohol consumption, high-fat diet, and lack of exercise
- History of long-term contraceptive use
Differences between breast cancer screening by “ultrasound” and “mammogram”
- Ultrasound is suitable for women under 40 years old. It can diagnose whether a breast lump is a cyst or a solid mass because this age group has a higher risk of breast cysts than breast cancer. However, this does not mean there is no chance of breast cancer.
- Mammogram is suitable for women aged 35-40 and above. It is a diagnostic method that provides accurate results with high-resolution images. It can detect calcifications in the breast, some of which are found in early-stage breast cancer, and can detect breast cancer even before lumps can be felt.
“Breast cancer” – Early detection, early diagnosis, treatable, higher chance of cure
If cancer cells are detected by doctors at an early stage, patients have a higher chance of recovery. The survival rates for breast cancer are as follows:
- Pre-invasive stage: ≥ 10-year survival rate nearly 100%
- Stage 1: ≥ 5-year survival rate = 98%
- Stage 2: ≥ 5-year survival rate = 93%
- Stage 3: ≥ 5-year survival rate = 72%
- Stage 4 or metastatic stage: ≥ 5-year survival rate = 22%
Besides regularly observing and feeling your breasts for abnormalities, women aged 35 and above should have a “mammogram” every 2 years, and from age 40 onwards, should have a mammogram annually… because it is a “test… to be aware of the disease”. Certainly, early detection increases the chance of complete cure.
“Mammogram” is an accurate and highly effective method for detecting “breast cancer”
Every woman should choose the best for herself
Dr. Suthawan Suthapong
Specialist in Head, Neck, and Breast
Surgery Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
