How often have we heard doctors warn women not to trivialize an abnormal lump formation and consult a doctor immediately to rule out breast cancer. Turns out that a noticeable growth or lump is not the only warning sign of the malignancy.
There are various other tell-tale symptoms which many are unaware of. As a result, most women are negligent and do not pay heed to what may be the germination of cancer.
According to a new research by the University College London (UCL) a sizable number of breast cancer cases are detected with a symptom other than a lump.
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.”
In a bid to get some insight into breast cancer and its symptoms, the researchers evaluated the data of more than 2,300 women diagnosed with breast cancer in England in 2009/10.
The analysis revealed that though lumps were found in 83% cases, around 17% of the subjects consulted a physician with symptoms other than lumps.
The non-lump symptoms included: nipple abnormalities (7 percent of women), breast pain (6 percent), low back pain (1 percent), and weight loss (0.3 percent).
It was also noted that 15 per cent of women without a lump waited more than three months to see a doctor.
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.
“With a disease like breast cancer, it’s essential to be diagnosed as early as possible so that a treatment plan can be developed and started. Awareness campaigns need to raise awareness of all of the potential symptoms of breast cancer so that people know how to spot the signs and when to go to a doctor.”
The research was presented at the 2016 National Cancer Research Institute Cancer conference in Liverpool.
