How to detect Breast Cancer

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Introduction

Contrary to popular belief, breast cancer afflicts women of all ages, and not just older women. This makes regular screening and self-examination essential, so that breast cancer can be picked up in a timely fashion, ideally at earlier stages to improve chances of cure.
With today’s medical innovations, the five-year relative survival rate for female breast cancer patients has improved. As more effective therapies become available, earlier detection has resulted in a declining mortality rate in most countries since the 1990s.(1)
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 About Breast Cancer       

Breast Cancer Stages

Detection and Signs

If breast cancer is detected and treated while in the early stage, the patient’s chances of surviving the disease increases.(2)
Monthly breast self-examinations are recommended for all women. Those in their 40s and beyond should also go for regular mammograms.
Depending on your age, the following checks are recommended:(2)

As part of your regular self-examinations, there are several symptoms to look out for as potential signs of breast cancer.
If you observe any of the symptoms below, you should speak with a healthcare professional as soon as possible for a diagnosis.(3)
  • Puckering: A change in skin texture on or around the breast where tissue and skin is pulled inwards, giving a dented appearance
  • Dimpling: A change in skin texture on or around the breast where a large area of little dimples are observed. The breast may be swollen or inflamed
  • Thickening of the breast tissue
  • Developing an eczema-like rash or redness on the nipple or the surrounding area
  • The secretion of unusual discharge (such as blood or pus) from the nipple without squeezing
  • Changes in the nipple such as one becoming inverted or changing its position or shape
  • Visible veins on the breast
  • A swelling in the armpit

Reference:
(1) American Cancer Society. Cancer treatment and survivorship facts and figures 2019-2021. 2021. Available at http://www.cancer.org/research/cancerfactsstatistics/survivor-facts-figures [Accessed May 2021]
(2) Singapore Cancer Society. Breast Cancer. 2016. Available at: https://www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg/learn-about-cancer/types-of-cancer/breast-cancer.html#early-detection [Accessed Dec 2020]
(3) Mayo Clinic. Breast self-exam for breast awareness. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 2020. Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-exam/about/pac-20393237 [Accessed May 2021]