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In October, the global awareness to draw attention to the early detection, treatment and fight against breast cancer in women has remained an ongoing campaign across various organizations, online and offline platforms, as well as other institutions committed to helping women understand the subtle signs of breast cancer, seek early diagnosis if necessary, as well as take steps to treat effectively if discovered.
Known worldwide as the Pink month, the breast awareness campaign, especially amongst Black women, is critical, seeing as breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women globally.
In a study done by the National Cancer Institute Division of Cancer and Epidemiology and Genetics, which was targeted at improving the prediction of incident breast cancer risk among Black women by adding a polygenic risk score (PRS) to traditional questionnaire-based factors, it noted that “breast cancer mortality rates are 40% higher in Black women compared to White women, though incidence rates are similar.
One approach to addressing this inequity is to improve risk prediction tools so that Black women know their risk and can, together with their clinicians, make informed decisions about the initiation, frequency, and modality of breast cancer screening.”
For all Black women, being aware of breast changes through regular self-examinations is critical, as well as understanding that certain risks beyond family history and hereditary connection can likely predispose one to breast cancer. Risks such as obesity, alcohol consumption, limited physical activity, and some hormonal treatments, among many others, can also play a role in triggering the incidence of breast cancer.
Adherence to a healthy lifestyle, early diagnosis, including several treatment options when discovered, can contribute to reducing mortality rates of cancer amongst Black women while improving the survival rates.
But beyond taking preventive steps, there’s a more personal challenge: learning to listen to your body’s whispers. Those small, uncomfortable signals might be your body’s way of saying something isn’t quite right.
According to breastcancer.org, “Performing a monthly breast self-exam is the best way of noticing any changes in your breasts,” but beyond this, below are other subtle signs of breast cancer that Black women can look out for and ensure they take action and make that long-overdue check-up a priority.
Subtle Signs of Breast Cancer to Look Out For
Changes to the skin’s texture: The moment skin coloration and texture begin to take on a different look or feel it might be time to have a routine check-up at your nearest medical facility. The onset of breast cancer can cause changes in skin cells that could lead to both inflammation and a change in the feel of the skin’s texture.
Other signs to look out for are puckering or dimpling, which produces a coloration resembling an orange peel. Thickened or swollen areas around the breast skin can also be indicative of a tumour growth, which might be indicative of progressive breast cancer that would need medical attention.
While other skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, rash, darkening, and reddening can also affect the skin’s texture, any changes mustn’t be overlooked but brought to the attention of your doctor for proper assessment before commencement of treatment.
Nipple discharge: For women in late pregnancy or after childbirth, nipple discharge is normal and should not be a source of too much concern. Other reasons for discharge could be as a result of sexual stimulation, hormonal changes, as well as medications.
But where discharges ranged from bloody, yellow, or green and are discharged from one part of the breast, it is likely indicative of a cancerous presence, and in such circumstances, it is advisable to contact a medical doctor about such discharge.
According to WebMD, “One form of breast cancer that may cause a breast discharge is intraductal carcinoma. This cancer develops within the ducts of the breast beneath the nipple.
Another rare form of breast cancer that may result in nipple discharge is Paget’s disease. This condition develops in the ducts of the breast and then moves to the nipple. It may cause the nipple and the surrounding areola to bleed or ooze. Paget’s disease usually happens with another form of breast cancer.”
Irregular Breast Size: Most women have breasts that are not of the same size, with one being slightly larger than the other. This is quite normal and should not be a source of concern. However, if it becomes noticeable that one breast has increased in size beyond what is normal, it might be indicative of the onset of breast cancer development.
According to an article by Medical News Today titled – What signs of breast cancer are there other than a lump?, it noted that “although changes in the size of the breast can be a symptom of any type of breast cancer, the National Cancer InstituteTrusted Source states that a rapid increase in breast size could be an indication of inflammatory breast cancer. This is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer.”
This is why regular breast observation is important so that Black women become familiar with slight changes in their bodies. Once this becomes the case, where both breasts or one of them has increased in size, a doctor must be consulted.
Unpleasant Pain or Unusual Swelling: Retraction, inversion, flattening, unpleasant pain, or swelling of the nipple and breast area can also point to the presence of cancerous cells, signalling trouble and needing urgent medical attention. Pain in your breast that is consistent and does not go away needs to be checked to rule out any possibility of breast cancer, and even though pain that comes and is gone after a few hours or days might not be indicative of cancer, it is important to still bring it to the attention of your medical personnel for proper diagnosis.
Okechukwu Nzeribe works with the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, in Anambra State, Nigeria, and loves unveiling the richness of African cultures. okechukwu.onicima@gmail.com
