Many of the earliest signs of breast cancer are overlooked by patients because of a lack of awareness of the subject. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, INC, one in eight women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetimes. The genetic cause for breast cancer are genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. They are tumor suppressors that, when mutated, are unable to perform their functions and may eventually lead to breast cancer.
“So I had DCIS which is contained within the milk duct, which is one of the easiest to detect and easiest to cure, especially because mine was stage 0, which means it never went outside of the milk duct.” survivor Tracy Slotter said. She found out she had breast cancer in December 2019. “And because it was so tiny, it’s not anything that would’ve been able to be felt without or detected without a mammogram.”
Breast cancer manifests itself in different ways. “Unfortunately, even now, a big part of detection is either the patient finding the mass themselves or a physician who is examining them finds the mass on physical examination.” Dr. Nandini Kulkarni, medical director of surgical oncology for Inspira Health said. Other early signs include changes in skin texture, such as when it begins to resemble the skin of an orange, sudden and unexplained swelling of the breast, or recent asymmetry, nipple discharge, whether clear or bloody should be investigated immediately.
Many physicians encourage mammograms and self checks for early detection. “The United States preventative service task force recommends you get screens at age 40 and get it annually and on time.” Kulkarni said. Some types of breast cancer may be too small to detect during self check, so only mammograms are then able to detect them.
Despite this, there are still many things that can prevent these diagnoses. One of the main reasons breast cancer isn’t prevented earlier is because of “Fear of receiving that diagnosis. Unfortunately, despite all modern technology, we do see a fair share of patients who have waited and waited until the lump has grown.” said Kulkarni. As more and more medical discoveries are made, the chances of survival increases for patients, especially if caught and detected early. “Patients can have longevity and a really good quality of life.” Kulkarni said.
There are a few things patients can do to mitigate the risk of breast cancer. In terms of lifestyle, avoiding red meat and increasing fruits and vegetables is a start. Keeping hydrated and exercising regularly can keep one’s immune system healthy. Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake can help mitigate breast cancer manifestation.
The importance of early detection is undeniable. Slotter said “I’m living proof…I didn’t have to have chemo, I didn’t have to have radiation, because it was caught so early and because it didn’t travel, then that’s why I didn’t have to have all that. Early detection truly is the best protection.”
