It’s a true ugly statistic that one in eight women will get breast cancer in her lifetime. But on the other hand, thinking optimistically, we could also observe that breast cancer diagnosed early is curable!
How do we protect ourselves?
The above dilemma does nothing but highlight the need for uninterrupted breast screening and early investigation of any symptoms throughout a woman’s lifetime. Your ally is your specialist breast surgeon in Patras. He or she must investigate your risk level for breast cancer from your family history, recommend the most appropriate preventive screening programme, evaluate any radiological findings in the breast, answer any questions you may have and provide solutions to any problems that arise.
When do I visit my mammologist?
It is a common question in Greece, a country where breast health is left to the interest, will and proper information of the patient herself alone.
- For prevention: We see our specialist mammologist once a year from the age of 30 and onwards. He investigates the history, examines the woman clinically, coordinates the radiological examinations and checks the results.
- Because of symptoms: There are a number of conditions that require immediate evaluation by a mammologist who will determine the most appropriate way to investigate and treat (surgical or non-surgical) after diagnosis.
An Illustrated Breast Cancer Symptom Search Guide
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Breast symptoms that may be the first symptoms of breast cancer and should lead us to seek out a qualified breast specialist (if we are not already seeing one as part of our prevention efforts) include the following:
- Persistent breast pain: We should be most aware of pain in a specific part of the breast and when it is not related to menstruation.
- Breast lump sensation: Any change in the density of the breast gland that is not related to the woman’s period needs to be checked. A lump under the nipple can also be found in men, benign or not.
- Secretion of fluid from the nipple: Symptom that requires multifaceted specialized investigation to assess its significance and severity. Seek the opinion of a specialist immediately when the fluid looks like blood.
- Changes in the appearance of the nipple: Variations in the size, shape, skin of the nipple may conceal serious pathology and should be checked.
- Change in breast skin: Unexplained redness, skin lumps, change in skin shape and texture should sound an alarm to the woman.
What if I notice something in my breasts?
Often breast conditions give some warnings.
If a woman chooses to investigate thoroughly the cause of these symptoms, she can only be a winner. Either it will prove to be nothing to worry about, or diagnosis and treatment will be done as soon as possible with multiple benefits for the woman.
Breast Care Clinic:
Watch the informative interview about the symptoms to investigate, by the breast surgeon of the Breast Care Clinic of Patras, Ioannis Haveles.