By hannover-web.com Dr. Anjali Malik, a breast radiologist, shared with Newsweek that one of the most common reasons women seek medical attention is due to breast pain. According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women in the U.S. will face a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Over the past few years, the incidence of breast cancer among American women has increased by 0.6% annually, particularly among younger females. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, with approximately one in forty affected by breast cancer ultimately succumbing to the disease. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
When educating patients on how to perform self-checks for potential signs of breast cancer, Dr. Malik emphasizes the importance of understanding what is normal for one’s body. “If you don’t know your baseline, you won’t recognize what’s abnormal,” she explained. She noted that breasts can have normal lumps and bumps, and if every lump is treated as a cause for alarm, it could lead to unnecessary anxiety.
Dr. Malik advises that attention should be paid to new lumps or changes in the breast, such as whether these lumps move or remain fixed, their temperature upon touch, and if there are recurring changes in these areas.
She also highlights the need to monitor any changes in the skin of the breast and underarm area, looking for alterations in color, texture, or the presence of skin dimpling or discharge.
Among the reasons women visit their doctors, Dr. Malik pointed out that breast pain is the most prevalent concern. Women should take note of whether the pain is persistent and unrelenting, regardless of activity, and whether it is worsening over time. She clarified that every patient’s experience is unique, depending on where the cancer originates and how it develops.
Moreover, Dr. Malik emphasizes that not all lumps are malignant. Some lumps may feel mobile and similar to marbles, which does not necessarily warrant a doctor’s visit as they can be benign.
Importantly, Dr. Malik stresses that women should engage in effective self-examinations to monitor any changes in breast tissue. During self-checks, she suggests that women raise their arms to slightly stretch the breast tissue, making it easier to detect real lumps without confusing normal connective tissue for solid masses.
From her personal experience, Dr. Malik recommends starting the self-examination at the sternum, moving to the sides, then checking the armpits, and finally examining beneath the breasts, ensuring to include the nipple area.
As for how often women should perform self-checks, Dr. Malik suggests checking breasts on the 14th day of a 28-day menstrual cycle for optimal results.
