1 in 6 breast cancer patients DON’T have a lump but what are the 6 OTHER signs to watch out for?
THOUSANDS of women are getting delayed breast cancer diagnoses because they do not have a noticeable lump, experts warn.
They found more than one in six victims has other symptoms.
And it took these patients 50 per cent longer to go to their GP - and they were twice as likely to wait more than three months before seeking medical help.
Late diagnosis reduces a patient’s chances of survival.
Around 55,000 women get the disease each year – with 11,000 dying.
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Lead researcher Monica Koo, from University College London, said: “This is not about GPs delaying referral – but women being unaware of other signs of the disease and delaying going to the doctor.
“Our research shows around one in six women diagnosed with breast cancer have symptoms other than a breast lump.
“Diagnosing cancer earlier really is key in order to increase the chances of survival.”
A team from UCL examined the data of more than 2,300 women diagnosed with breast cancer in England in 2009/10.
It revealed 17 per cent of patients went to see their GP with a symptom that was not a lump.
Lack of NHS radiologists 'could delay cancer diagnoses'
A CRITICAL shortage of radiologists is putting cancer patients at risk, leading medics warn.
Around one in 13 consultant posts in breast radiology are unfilled.
And staffing shortages are set to get worse warns the Royal College of Radiologists.
It said the looming workforce crisis will have a “severe” impact on cancer diagnosis and screening.
Britain has the third lowest number of radiologists per head in Europe – with seven per 100,000 people.
Dr Hilary Dobson, chair of The British Society of Breast Radiology, said: “The skill of breast radiologists in interpreting mammograms and other complex scans is vital to the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer as well as in the delivery of cancer screening programmes.”
And experts found 15 per cent of women without a lump waited more than three months to see a doctor compared with those with an obvious tumour.
The research was presented at the 2016 National Cancer Research Institute Cancer conference in Liverpool.
Dr Karen Kennedy, Director of the NCRI, said: “This research shows that, all too often, women are delaying going to their doctor with symptoms of breast cancer.
“This could be because people are simply unaware that breast cancer can present in many different ways, not just through the presence of a lump.”
The Sun launched the Check ‘em Tuesday breast cancer campaign in 2014 to help boost early detection of the disease.
We teamed up with charity CoppaFeel! to get women to check their own breasts for signs of the illness and contact their GP if they spot any changes.
Dr Jem Rashbass, from Public Health England, said: “It is hugely important to catch breast cancer early.
“Lumps are not the only sign and women should tell their GP if they notice any changes to their breasts, such as nipple discharge or changes to the skin of the breast.”
Revealed: The 7 SURPRISING signs that mean you could have breast cancer
1. Change in breast size or shape
Breasts come in all shapes and sizes – and can look and feel different throughout a woman’s life.
Carolyn Rogers, senior clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Care, told The Sun Online: “They may change at the time of your period, when going through pregnancy as your body ages.
“By checking your breasts regularly, you’ll get to know whether a change in size or shape is part of what’s normal for you, or if it’s something unusual that’s worth getting checked out by your doctor.”
2. Redness or a rash
It is important to look out for signs of reddening or a rash, on the skin and around the nipple. A rash in this area could just be triggered by new washing powder, or a lacy bra irritating the skin.
“But, if it’s an ongoing issue, it could be a sign of something more serious,” Carolyn warned.
3. Nipple discharge
If liquid comes from the nipple without squeezing it, it is important to get it checked by a doctor.
“We know from speaking to people on the Breast Cancer Care helpline that this can be a confusing one,” said Carolyn.
“But, if it’s not normal for you, then mention it to your GP.”
4. Swelling in the armpit or around the collarbone
Lumps are the most common sign of breast cancer.
But, they don’t always appear in the breast.
“Breast tissue can be found under the armpits and up to the collarbone, so you may notice an unusual swelling in these areas,” explained Carolyn.
As a result, when checking your boobs each month it is important to be thorough and check all around the breast and surrounding area.
5. Change in skin texture
From puckering to the slightest hint of a dimple – changes in the skin’s appearance on your breasts can be a sign of cancer.
For example, if it looks and feels like the peel of an orange, go and check it out with your GP.
A recent survey by the charity found one in six women had no idea this could be a sign of the disease.
6. An inverted nipple
Some people naturally have inverted nipples – which is absolutely fine.
But, everyone’s breasts are different.
“If you nipple suddenly starts to be pulled inwards, or changes it’s shape or position in any way, then it could be a warning sign,” explained Carolyn.
7. Constant pain
A dull ache that won’t go away in the breast or armpit, is a warning sign for breast cancer.
However, it can be difficult to identify.
“Having pain in the breast area is really common,” said Carolyn.
“It could be caused by a number of things, for example changing hormone levels before your period or even a badly fitting bra.”
But, if the pain doesn’t disappear after a reasonable amount of time, it is worth telling your doctor, she said.
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