Breast Cancer Awareness: 8 Early Signs & Self examination

Breast cancer is one of the most widespread cancers among women and can be deadly if detected late. Many women do not pay attention to early warning signs due to their being painless or harmless. A few points of understanding the symptoms, knowing your own risk and getting medical advice early can make a difference.

At Lahore Spine Care, we know that the art of healthcare is not just about alleviating pain. We have a multidisciplinary team, Physiotherapy, Women’s Health Physiotherapy, Nutrition & Dietetics, Psychology and Rehabilitation Services who we are dedicated to the promotion of preventive healthcare and community awareness

Breast Cancer: What is it?

Breast cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the breast that cause a tumour to grow. Can happen any time in a woman’s life, but the risk rises with age.

When identified early, treatment is likely to be more successful and survival rates will be much better. Early detection is important, including regular screening and knowing the normal appearance and feel of your breasts (breast awareness).

Early signs of breast cancer you should never ignore.

If you experience any of the following changes, seek advice from your health care professional:

• Any lumps in the breast or underarm area that are new or have recently appeared.
  An increase in breast density.Breast thickening.
• Change in breast size or shape
  You may have some skin dimpling or puckering
• Redness or swelling of the breast.
• Nipple turning inward (inverted nipple)
• Prolonged (draining) nipple discharge, particularly if the milk is bloody
• Pain that does not go away in one place in the breast
• Skin changes resembling an orange peel
• Inflammed lymph nodes in the armpit area

The majority of breast lumps are not cancer, but any new lump should be examined by a competent health care provider.

Risk Factors for breast cancer:

There are risk factors that cannot be changed and others that are lifestyle-related.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

• Increasing age
• Positive family history of breast or ovarian cancer in first-degree relatives (mother, daughter, or grandmother)
• Some inherited genetic changes (e.g. BRCA1 or BRCA2)
• Previous history of breast cancer
• Dense breast tissue

Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors

1. After menopause, overweight or obesity.

• Physical inactivity
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• Low-dose daily aspirin therapy (in some cases)

Women who have one or more risk factors may not get breast cancer, and the majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have obvious risk factors

These tips can help lower your risk:

Making healthy lifestyle decisions can help reduce the risk of breast cancer and help you stay well.

• Keep within a healthy weight range.
• Exercise regularly.
• Follow a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.
• Avoid smoking.
• Limit alcohol intake.
• Breastfeed if possible.
• Go for suggested screening tests.

The difference between Breast Self-Awareness and Breast Self-Examination

Self-examination is now recommended in addition to breast self-awareness, which means that you should learn what is normal for you. The structured breast self-exam hasn’t proven to save lives from breast cancer, but knowing your breasts well can help you find changes that should be checked by a healthcare provider. It should never be used as a substitute for recommended screenings – such as mammography – when appropriate.

Recommended Tips for Breast Self-Examination

Here are a few tips to help you check your breasts at home:

Select a day when your breasts are not as sore. This is typically a few days after the menstrual period is over, for those who do menstruate. If not menstruating, use the same day of the month.

Step 1: Look in the Mirror

Stand in front of a mirror with shoulder straight.

Look for:

• Alterations in size and shape or both
• Skin dimpling
• Swelling
• Redness
• Nipple changes
• Visible lumps

Raise arms and repeat inspection.

Step 2: Inspect when standing or showering

With the middle 3 fingers:

• Move in small circular motions.
• Cover the entire breast.
• Check from the collarbone to below the breast.
• Include the underarm area.
  Apply gentle, medium and firm pressure.

Step 3: Assess while lying in bed

Face up and put a cushion under one shoulder.

Extend arm on same side.
Examine the breast with the OPPOSITE hand.
Cover the whole breast with a circular, vertical or wedge pattern.

• Repeat for the other breast.

If any new growth or lump, discharge from the nipples, skin changes or persistent pain is noticed, make a medical appointment as soon as possible.

When to Get Medical Advice?

Make an appointment if you see:

• A new breast lump
  -Chest pain that lasts for more than one day or night
• Discharge from the nipples that is bloody or happens on its own
  -Changes in breast size and/or position
• Skin dimpling
• Swelling
  Swollen lymph nodes under arm

Early evaluation does not imply cancer, however, it is useful in determining the cause and if necessary, starting treatment earlier.

Women Health support is provided at Lahore Spine Care.

Lahore Spine Care is dedicated to women’s health with a multi-disciplinary approach. In addition to physiotherapy and rehabilitation we are able to provide:

• Women’s Health Physiotherapy
• Nutrition & Dietetics
• Psychology
• Post-surgical Rehabilitation
• Lymphedema related Rehabilitation (if applicable)
• Exercise Guidance
• Pain Management
• Home Physiotherapy Services

Physiotherapy can be used as part of a breast cancer treatment plan with the recommendation of the medical team to improve shoulder mobility, posture, strength, function and quality of life for women recovering from breast cancer.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The first symptom of breast cancer is:

One of the most common symptoms is a new lump in the breast or underarm, although changes in the nipple, breast or skin shape are evaluated.

Is breast pain always caused by cancer?

No. It is normal for women to experience breast pain, which may be caused by conditions other than cancer. But, if pain persists in one part, it should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

At what age do you recommend women start getting screened for breast cancer?

Recommendations for screening vary by age, family history and individual risk. Talk with your healthcare provider about the screening plan that is best for you.

Is it possible for young women to get breast cancer?

Yes. While the older age groups are at higher risk, breast cancer can also occur in younger women.

Every breast lump can be a cancer?

No. While most breast lumps are not cancerous, each new lump should be medically evaluated.

Will physiotherapy be beneficial following breast cancer treatment?

Yes. Physiotherapy can be used for recovering shoulder motion, alleviating stiff shoulders, maintaining good posture and recovery following surgical and other treatments, if recommended by the oncology team.

Why is Lahore Spine Care the best spine surgery clinic in Lahore?

Lahore Spine Care is not just a Physiotherapy Clinic. Compassionate and evidence-based care is how we promote prevention, rehabilitation and long term wellness and achieve that goal through our multidisciplinary team.

Our services include:

• Neuro & Spine Physiotherapy
• Women’s Health Physiotherapy
• Nutrition & Dietetics
• Psychology
• Speech & Language Therapy (SLP)
• Orthotics & Prosthetics
• Dry Needling
• Manual Therapy
• Sports Rehabilitation
• Home Physiotherapy Services

Book Your Consultation

Don’t wait to seek professional advice if you have concerns regarding breast health, if you notice unusual changes or if you need rehabilitation following breast surgery or treatment.

We are here for you at Lahore Spine Care to help you recover, get mobile and live your best life with personalized rehabilitation and women’s health care.

📍 Lahore Spine Care 
provides services in 

DHA Phase 1,2,3,4,56 & 8 Lahore, Model Town, Faisal Town, Johar Town, Bahria Town, Allama Iqbal Town, Islampura, Mughulpura and harbanspura Lahore.

📞 Call / WhatsApp: 0324-7722565

📞 Alternate: 0335-5888865

Protect yourself from illness today – early detection and prompt treatment can make a difference in your life.