This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, screening awareness campaigns are multiplying around the world, as is research gauging people’s knowledge on the subject.
One survey, conducted by the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, reports that most breast-cancer symptoms are still little-known to the general public, particularly in the United States, where three quarters of women don’t believe they will get the disease.
At least nine out of 10 American adults surveyed (93%) cite a lump or mass in the breast as a symptom of this form of cancer, which is true – but fewer than half of respondents were able to recognise other common symptoms associated with the disease.
This finding alarms the experts, who point out that identifying abnormalities is crucial to treating the disease at an early stage, and increasing the chances of recovery.
“Screening mammography is our No. 1 defence in detecting and addressing breast cancers at their earliest, most treatable stages,” said Ashley Pariser, an oncologist at the Ohio cancer centre.
“It is also very important for people to be familiar with the look and feel of their own breast tissue so that sometimes subtle changes can be evaluated quickly to give us the best chance of early detection.”
In detail, only 45% of those surveyed recognised a pitting or thickening of the breast skin as a likely symptom of cancer, while only 41% cited loss of feeling in the breast, and even fewer (31%) cited a retracted, inverted or downward-pointing nipple.
“The best way to find breast cancer early is for women to present as soon as they notice a change, ideally even before they see it. So that’s why we recommend mammograms for those who qualify,” Pariser added.
A lack of information?
Over and above the symptoms, which remain generally ill-understood, the survey shows a certain confusion over information received by the general public, especially when it comes to screening recommendations.
While the American College of Radiology and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists recommend screening from the age of 40, and discussing personal cancer risk with a health professional as early as possible, a third of women admit to being “confused” about these recommendations.
This figure rises to 44% for younger women, i.e. those under the age of 30.
But health professionals also have to contend with a certain amount of denial, with a significant proportion of the US population believing they are unlikely to be affected by breast cancer. More precisely, 91% of men and 75% of women consider that they will not get the disease.
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer remains the most common non-skin cancer among women in the US, accounting for nearly 30% of all new female cancers each year. Estimates for this year point to almost 300,000 new cases, and almost 43,700 deaths from breast cancer.
Symptoms to watch out for
This survey highlights the importance of knowing the warning signs of breast cancer, and checking for them. According to Inca, these can include 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 changes in the skin of the breast and/or nipple.
In the latter case, there may be retraction of the nipple or areola, or even a change in colour or some form of discharge. Redness may also appear on the skin of the breast, which may also change in appearance.
The French organisation also details “late” symptoms of the disease, such as nausea, loss of appetite, headaches, pain or muscle weakness. These are all signs that should prompt someone to consult a health professional for advice as soon as possible.