Most of us know that earlier diagnosis typically means more treatment options and better outcomes for breast cancer and other cancers. Being mindful of potential symptoms is important, but so is balance. There is a fine line between constantly checking for symptoms and ignoring your body or overlooking real red flags.

“We often see two extremes in patients worried about breast cancer or a breast cancer recurrence — those who are looking every day for signs and those who never look, and neither of these extremes are healthy,” said Endeavor Health oncologist Joseph Kash, MD.

The first issue in talking about potential symptoms is how much people should be looking for them, added Dr. Kash. The suggestion for monthly breast self-exams has fallen out of favor as studies have raised questions whether the practice really helps detect cancers earlier. And monthly exams often increase anxiety and fear around cancer and cancer recurrences, said Dr. Kash.

Key breast changes and potential red flags to watch for

“Having a sense of what’s normal or typical in your body is important so you can recognize obvious changes,” said Dr. Kash. “If you see a change, bring it to your physician. Most of the time it’s not serious, and your physician can likely help prove that it’s not cancer.”

While a new lump is a common warning sign, breast cancer does not always show up as noticeable mass. And even if you notice a lump, it may be a sign of another non-cancerous condition, such as a cyst or fibroadenoma.

With all of that in mind, Dr. Kash suggests that patients be aware of changes that warrant a physician’s exam including:

  1. New spots or lumps in the breast or underarm area
  2. Dimpling near the nipple or on the breast skin
  3. Changes in the nipple, retraction or newly inverted
  4. Thickening of tissue/changes in skin texture that resembles an orange peel
  5. Nipple discharge or bloody nipple discharge

Men have breast tissue and can also get breast cancer, so these potential signs and symptoms are important for both men and women, despite far lower incidences of breast cancer in men.

There are people who notice these kinds of changes yet wait far too long before seeing a doctor. “Some people just don’t want to know the potential bad thing so they ignore an obvious sign,” said Dr. Kash.

Check with your doctor for peace of mind

He reminds patients that most of these changes will be nothing serious, and checking with a physician is a way to put your mind at ease and not miss something that could be an important early warning.

“Let’s prove that it’s not cancer,” said Dr. Kash.

The role of regular mammograms and supplemental imaging

Annual physicals and mammogram screenings often help women get comfortable with talking to their doctors and being aware of changes in their bodies, he added.

Mammograms remain the gold standard screening and an important tool in detecting breast cancer, despite the fact that they do not detect every cancer. For women with dense breasts, it’s important to talk with their physicians about supplemental imaging like breast ultrasounds and/or MRIs.

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If you or a loved one is diagnosed with breast cancer, you’ll find expert, comprehensive care close to home at Endeavor Health Cancer Institute.

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