Most know that the appearance of lumps in the breast may indicate breast cancer, as it is the most obvious symptom. However, a survey that included 1,000 women revealed the existence of a knowledge gap when it comes to symptoms of breast cancer, according to the report published in the “Dailymail” newspaper.
Ohio State University research reported that 93% of women knew how to look for lumps, but only 31% were aware that an inverted, retracted, or downward-pointing nipple was another symptom that meant infection.
Moreover, only around 39% of affected women knew that breast wrinkling is a warning sign of the disease.
Professor Ashely Pariser, the lead researcher, said: The mammography examination of the breast is our first go-to check before detecting and treating breast cancers in the earliest stages, the most treatable stages, and it is also crucial for women to be aware of the look and feel of their breast tissue so they can detect any subtle for a better chance of early detection.
Experts confirmed that most cases of breast cancer do not show a mass that can be detected by touch, and if this happens, this often indicates a rapidly growing cancer or an advanced stage that is less treatable.
Many changes in the breast are a result of aging or childbirth. However, breast cancer can further appear in several other symptoms, including:
Retracted, inverted, or pointing down nipple (31%)
Loss of sensation in part of the breast (41%)
Thickening of the skin on the breast (45%)
Nipple discharge (51%)
Breast crease (the indentation that appears when you raise your arms) (39%)
