Pink October

October is breast cancer awareness month and due to that we at Oasisgh would like to draw your attention to all you need to know about breast cancer and Breast Cancer Awareness.

Why Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

The Breast Cancer Awareness Month, marked in countries across the world every October, helps to increase attention and support for the awareness, early detection and treatment as well as palliative care of this disease.
There are about 1.38 million new cases and 458 000 deaths from breast cancer each year (IARC Globocan, 2008). Breast cancer is by far the most common cancer in women worldwide, both in the developed and developing countries. In low- and middle-income countries the incidence has been rising up steadily in the last years due to increase in life expectancy, increase urbanization and adoption of western lifestyles.
Currently there is not sufficient knowledge on the causes of breast cancer, therefore, early detection of the disease remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control. When breast cancer is detected early, and if adequate diagnosis and treatment are available, there is a good chance that breast cancer can be cured. If detected late, however, curative treatment is often no longer an option. In such cases, palliative care to relief the suffering of patients and their families is needed.
The majority of deaths (269 000) occur in low- and middle-income countries, where most women with breast cancer are diagnosed in late stages due mainly to lack of awareness on early detection and barriers to health services.

Signs And Symptoms of Breast Cancer

A breast lump or mass is just one of the possible signs of breast cancer in men or women. Breast cancer can cause several additional changes to the skin on and around the breast. Anyone who notices any of these changes should see a doctor.
In some cases, breast cancer may not cause any symptoms, but a doctor will identify a mass on a mammogram. Screening for breast cancer as recommended by a doctor can help detect this condition in its earliest and most treatable stage.

Below are some of the signs and symptoms you should look out for:

1. Changes to the skin's texture
Skin changes may be an early sign of breast cancer.
Breast cancer can cause changes and inflammation in skin cells that can lead to texture changes.
Examples of these texture changes include:
scaly skin around the nipple and areola, as though the skin is sunburned or extremely dry
skin thickening in any part of the breast
These changes may also cause itching, which people often associate with breast cancer, although it is not common.
These skin changes may be symptomatic of a rare breast cancer type called Paget's disease.
Texture changes can also occur as a result of benign skin conditions, including dermatitis and eczema.

2. Nipple discharge
A person may observe discharge from the nipple, which can be thin or thick and can range in color from clear to milky to yellow, green, or red.
It is normal for people who are breastfeeding to have a milky discharge from the nipples, but it is advisable to see a doctor about any other nipple discharge.
Although most nipple discharge is noncancerous, it can signify breast cancer in some people.

Other possible reasons for nipple discharge include:
breast infections:

• a side effect of birth control pills
• a side effect of taking certain medications
• variations in body physiology
• certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disease

3. Dimpling
Skin dimpling can sometimes be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer, an aggressive type of breast cancer . Cancer cells can cause a buildup of lymph fluid in the breast that leads to swelling as well as dimpling or pitted skin. It is essential that anyone who notices skin dimpling speaks with a doctor.
Doctors call this change in the skin's appearance "peau d'orange" because the dimpled skin resembles the surface of an orange.

4. Breast or nipple pain
Breast cancer can cause changes in skin cells that lead to feelings of pain, tenderness, and discomfort in the breast. Although breast cancer is often painless, it is important not to ignore any signs or symptoms that could be due to breast cancer.
Some people may describe the pain as a burning sensation.

5. Nipple retraction or inversion
Breast cancer can cause cell changes behind the nipple. These changes can result in the nipple inverting and reversing inward into the breast, or it may look different in terms of its size.
The appearance of the nipples can often alter during
ovulation or other parts of the menstrual cycle, but people should see a doctor about any new nipple changes.

6. Redness
Breast cancer can cause changes to the skin that may make it appear discolored or even bruised. The skin may be red or purple or have a bluish tint.
If a person has not experienced recent trauma to the breast to explain these changes, they should see their doctor. It is also vital to seek medical advice if breast discoloration does not disappear, even if trauma was the cause.

7. Swelling
Breast cancer can cause the entire breast or an area of the breast to swell. There may not be a distinct lump after this swelling, but the breast may be different in size than the other breast.
Although it is possible for people to have breasts that are slightly different in size at all times, this swelling would cause a change from their usual breast size.
The skin may also feel tight due to the swelling.

When should you see a doctor

You should not panic when you notice breast changes. Aging, changes in hormone levels, and other factors can lead to breast changes throughout a your lifetime.
Each of the seven changes listed above can warrant a trip to the doctor, especially if these changes do not seem to relate to one of the following:

• the menstrual cycle
• injury
• previous illness, such as a breast infection

A doctor can evaluate the symptoms, examine the affected breast or breasts, and recommend further studies if necessary. They may suggest a mammogram, ultrasound , other imaging tests, or bloodwork to rule out infection or other potential causes.
(Read more on Breast Cancer Awareness Month)