5 Less Commonly Known Signs of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women (behind only skin cancer). However, many signs of this disease are relatively unknown to the general population. Although most women know that regular self-screening is an important step in catching breast cancer, a lack of information can stop many from recognizing some of the symptoms. Although most know that a lump is a scary sign, other important indicators should not be ignored.

Source: Click On Detroit | Local 4 | WDIV/YouTube

In 2020, breast cancer caused 685,000 deaths around the world, according to information from the World Health Organization. Only around half of those cases occurred in people with elevated risk factors beyond sex and age. Additionally, it is also possible for men to develop this form of cancer. Between 0.5 and one percent of breast cancer cases are reported in men. 

A consumer survey was carried out by The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. The survey found that a lump is the most known signal of breast cancer among adults in the United States. Of the people surveyed, 93 percent recognized a lump as an important indicator of this type of cancer. However, recognition of any of the five other given signs was significantly lower. 

Other important warning signs of breast cancer can be simple to spot and can help hasten treatment. These signs include breast puckering when the arms are raised, loss of feeling in part of the breast, thickening of the skin, discharge from the nipple, and an inverted, retracted, or downward-facing nipple. 

The survey was completed by over 1,000 participants. Of those surveyed, 51 percent knew that nipple discharge was a sign, 45 percent knew skin thickening, 41 percent recognized loss of feeling as a symptom, 39 percent knew puckering, and only 31 percent identified an inverted nipple as a sign of breast cancer. 

Public awareness of the symptoms of breast cancer is crucial. The majority of cases do not present with a lump which is discoverable through touch alone, according to a breast medical oncologist. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment. Knowing the symptoms, participating in regular screenings, and addressing concerns with a medical professional can be vital in discovering breast cancer before it is too late. 

Early detection can be crucial for successful treatment of many cancers. Sign this petition Advocating for Early Cancer Screening to be Recommended!

Related Content: 

• From Estrogen to Breast Cancer: Debunking Tofu and Soy Myths
• Plant-Based Diet Linked to Reduced Risk of Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women, New Study Finds 
• Study Shows Rise in Stage 4 Breast Cancer in Those Under 40 
• Study Finds Dairy Milk Linked to Higher Risk of Breast Cancer
• Doctors Demand FDA Add Breast Cancer Warning on Cheese

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!