Breast Cancer Awareness

Signs, symptoms and prevention of Breast Cancer

By Petterson Njogu

October is universally observed as breast cancer awareness month, an annual campaign that raises awareness about the impact of breast cancer. Every October, people across the world come together to show support for everyone affected by breast cancer.

Additionally, in a global effort to raise awareness of breast cancer, this month has been designated as the pink month by the World Health Organization (WHO), where efforts to educate those concerned about the disease, including early identification and signs and symptoms associated with breast cancer.

Newsline interviewed Dr. Marilynn Omondi, breast consultant at KNH Prime Care Centre for an interview in an attempt to shed some light on signs and symptoms related to breast cancer and some preventative measures to put in place in an effort to keep the disease at bay.

What are the major signs associated with breast cancer?

It is always advisable to go for regular medical checkups since sometimes the breasts’ lump is often painless. But also, have what we call breast selfexamination which is easy to carry out even at home. They include; touching your breasts and feeling anything different or unusual, looking for changes and keenly observing whether something feels different.

What are the vital signs to look out for?

Be on the lookout for a lump/ swelling in or around the breast, upper chest or armpit. Take notice of puckering or dimpling of the breast which mostly associates with inflammatory breast cancer. Change in colour of the breast, at times it may look red or inflamed.

Also, you may notice nipple change. For example, it may appear inverted (pulled inwards). A rash or crusting around the nipple may be visible. In the same vein, this can lead to changes in the size or shape of the breast. Finally, unusual discharge from either nipple is also a common sign of early signs of breast cancer.

Treatment and prevention measures

Once a patient comes to us after the above-suspected signs we order a mammogram, then we review and analyze the results. Once diagnosed with the disease, the treatment could be surgical where procedures such as lymph node dissection, mammaplasty, and mastectomy among others are effected. Medically, chemotherapy and radiotherapy is deployed to manage breast cancer.

It is important to note that men also get breast cancer. It is not that common but that does not mean they are immune to the disease and exhibit the same signs and systems as women do.

The best prevention to breast cancer is detecting it early and starting to manage it soonest. Also leading an active lifestyle, being of the required weight and eating healthy foods can also play a role in preventing breast cancer.

At the KNH Prime Care Centre Corporate Outpatient Clinic, free breast self-examination education is available daily from 8a.m. to 5 p.m.