Lesser-known symptoms of breast cancer

Pink October obliges, awareness-raising actions around breast cancer screening are increasing throughout the world, as are studies aimed at determining everyone’s level of information on the subject. One of the latest shows that most of the symptoms of breast cancer are still unknown to the general public, particularly in the United States, where three-quarters of women do not feel personally concerned.

A massmass in the breast, a change in the skin of the nipple or breast, or a change in the size or shape of the breast are among the symptoms of this cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute (INCa). The French scientific organization specifies that these unusual signs “ do not necessarily mean breast cancer “, but that they must alert and lead to a medical consultation to detect the disease as early as possible. However, some of these symptoms remain unknown, if not poorly known, to the public. This is what a survey conducted by The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCCC – James), which recalls the importance of education to enable as many people as possible to identify each of the symptoms of breast cancer.

Breast mass is not the only symptom

More than nine in ten American adults surveyed (93%) cite a lump or mass in the breast as a symptom of this cancer, which is true, but less than half of respondents were able to recognize other symptoms, even though common, associated with disease. A finding that alarms experts, who point out that the detection of these anomalies is essential to manage the disease early and increase the chances of recovery.

“ There mammographymammography is our first line of defense in detecting and treating breast cancers in the earliest stages, but it is also very important that people become familiar with the look and feel of their own breast tissue so that sometimes subtle changes can be assessed quickly to give us the best chance of early detection », explains theoncologistoncologist Ashley Pariser, also attached to OSUCCC – James.

In detail, only 45% of those surveyed recognized thickening of breast skin, or the presence of specific marks, as a likely symptom of breast cancer, while only 41% cited loss of sensitivity to the breast. of the chest, and even less (31%) nipple retraction. “ The best way to detect breast cancer early is for women to come forward as soon as they notice a change, ideally before they even notice it. This is why we recommend mammograms to those who qualify. », adds Dr Ashley Pariser.

Confusion and lack of information

Beyond the symptoms, which remain poorly understood overall, the survey shows a certain confusion in the information acquired — or not — by the general public. This is particularly the case for the recommendations in mattermatter screening. While theAmerican College of Radiology and theAmerican College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists advise getting screened from the age of 40, and talking about your history with a health professional as soon as possible, a third of women admit to being “confused” about these recommendations. A figure which rises to 44% for the youngest women, namely those aged under 30.

But health professionals also have to deal with a certain form of denial, with a significant part of the population believing that they are not affected by breast cancer. More precisely, 91% of men and 75% of women believe that they will not be affected by the disease. According to theAmerican Cancer Society, breast cancer remains the most common non-skin cancer among women in the United States, accounting for nearly 30% of all new female cancers each year. Estimates for the year 2023 show nearly 300,000 new cases and nearly 43,700 deaths from breast cancer.

The symptoms, simple to know, and also the most late

This survey shows the importance of knowing the signs — and trying to detect them — which should alert ordinary people. According to the INCa, this can be a lump or mass in the breast, the presence of one or more hard masses in the armpit, a change in the size or shape of the breast, or even changes to the skin of the breast or nipple. In the latter case, it may be a retraction of the nipple or theareolaareola, but also a change in coloring, oozing or discharge. Redness may also appear on the skin of the breast, which may also change in appearance.

The French organization also mentions “late symptoms”, such as nausea, loss of appetite, headaches, pain or even muscle weakness. These are all signs that should encourage the public to consult a healthcare professional to benefit from informed medical advice.

This study was carried out online and by telephone, from September 22 to 24, 2023, with a sample of 1,004 respondents. All data from the SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus, the source of the survey, is weighted to represent the target population of U.S. adults aged 18 or older.