Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Nigeria, and it can also affect men. Too often it is found late, when it is harder to treat. Knowing the early warning signs, and checking your breasts regularly, can help you catch it early, when treatment works best.
Early warning signs of breast cancer
See a doctor promptly if you notice any of these changes in one or both breasts:
- A new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit. Most breast lumps are not cancer, but every new lump should be checked. Breast cancer lumps are often painless.
- Swelling in the breast, armpit or above the collarbone, even without a lump.
- A change in size or shape of the breast.
- Skin changes: dimpling or puckering, redness, or skin that looks thickened or pitted like an orange peel.
- Nipple changes: a nipple that turns inward (when it didn’t before), a rash, crusting or scaling.
- Nipple discharge that is bloody or clear and happens without squeezing, when you are not breastfeeding.
- Persistent pain or itching in one area of the breast that does not go away. Itching with redness and swelling can be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer, a rare, fast-growing type.
These changes can have other causes, but do not wait or try home remedies. Early checks save lives.
How to check your breasts
Get to know how your breasts normally look and feel, so you notice changes. Once a month, ideally a few days after your period ends:
- Look: stand in front of a mirror with your arms by your sides, then raised above your head. Look for changes in size, shape, skin or nipples.
- Feel: lying down, use the pads of your three middle fingers to press gently in small circles over the whole breast, from the collarbone to below the breast and from the armpit to the breastbone. Use light, medium and firm pressure.
- Check your armpits for lumps.
- Repeat on the other side.
Self-checks do not replace clinical examination and screening.
Screening for breast cancer
- Clinical breast examination by a doctor or nurse, as part of regular check-ups
- Mammography for women from about 40, or earlier if you have a strong family history
- Breast ultrasound, often used for younger women or to check a lump
See the types of breast cancer screening for more detail.
Who is at higher risk?
- Women, and risk rises with age
- A family history of breast or ovarian cancer, especially in a mother, sister or daughter
- Inherited gene changes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2
- Starting periods early or reaching menopause late
- Having a first child after 30, or not having children
- Being overweight after menopause, drinking alcohol and being inactive
Breastfeeding, staying active and keeping a healthy weight can lower your risk.
Breast cancer in men
Men can get breast cancer too, though it is rare. Men should also see a doctor about a lump, swelling, nipple changes or discharge from the nipple.
What happens if you find a change
Your doctor will examine you and may arrange an ultrasound, mammogram or biopsy (a small tissue sample) to find out what the change is. Most breast changes turn out not to be cancer. If it is cancer, finding it early means more treatment options and a much better outlook.
Read more: Breast Cancer Awareness Month: what everyone should know, empowering women against breast cancer and common cancers in Nigeria.
Frequently asked questions
Are all breast lumps cancer?
No. Most breast lumps are harmless, such as cysts or fibroadenomas. But every new lump should be checked by a doctor.
Is breast pain a sign of cancer?
Breast pain is usually linked to hormones or other causes. Persistent pain in one spot that doesn’t go away should be checked.
Can young women get breast cancer?
Yes. It is less common under 40, but in Nigeria many women are diagnosed at younger ages. Don’t ignore changes because of your age.
This article is for general information and does not replace advice from your doctor.
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