Irish women urged to look out for these ignored symptoms of breast cancer

It's important to be aware of other potential red flags.

Breast cancer is one of the most talked about, campaigned for and informed about cancers out there. We as women are constantly being told to self-check. There is a huge emphasis on feeling for a lump in your breast but research suggests we should be mindful of other common symptoms. Researchers from UCL found that one in six women diagnosed with breast cancer go to their doctor with a symptom other than a lump. They examined 2300 women with breast cancer in England over the period of a year and found that women who did not feel a lump but had other symptoms, delayed going to the doctor for longer. “It’s crucial that women are aware that a lump is not the only symptom of breast cancer. If they are worried about any breast symptoms, the best thing to do is to get it checked by a doctor as soon as possible.” Monica Koo, presenting author based at UCL said. It is, therefore, important to be aware of other possible symptoms, here are some examples from the Marie Keating Foundation.

• If one of your breasts has gotten larger or lower or changes shape
• If any veins stand out more than usual for you
• Puckering, dimpling or redness of the skin
• Changes in the nipple such as redness, crusting, or blood stained discharge
• Changes in the shape of the nipple, particularly if it turns in or sinks into the breast or direction
• Thickening of breast tissue
• Bumpy areas that seem different from other breast tissue
• A swelling or lump in your armpit or along your collarbone

A few months ago, one woman shared a post to Facebook which highlighted how easily a clear symptom can be dismissed. Claire Warner shared the below image and said

''This is a picture of my left boob. The small purplish bruise is where I had a biopsy taken. The minuscule dimple up and to the left of it is a rare and little-known symptom of BREAST CANCER''

If you are concerned about any abnormalities to your breasts contact your GP.