Breast Cancer Awareness: Signs, Symptoms, and Detection Methods

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, and Kenya is no exception. Over the past few years, breast cancer cases have been rising in Kenya, becoming a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. October, designated globally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, offers an important opportunity to raise awareness about this life-threatening disease and emphasize the importance of early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.

Breast Cancer in Kenya: A Growing Concern

In Kenya, the prevalence of breast cancer is a significant public health issue. According to the Kenya National Cancer Screening Guidelines, breast cancer accounts for about 12.5% of all new cancer cases and 20% of cancer deaths among women. The disease, however, is not confined to women; men can also develop breast cancer, though it is far less common.

Men and adolescents in Kenya should also be encouraged to undergo regular check-ups for this disease. While breast cancer predominantly affects women, about 0.5% to 1% of cases occur in men. This translates to several hundred men in Kenya potentially being diagnosed annually, a number that often goes unnoticed due to lack of awareness and cultural stigma.

Adolescent boys and girls should also be aware of breast cancer, especially as early detection dramatically improves outcomes. While the condition is rare in adolescents, it can still occur, particularly in those with a family history of the disease or genetic predispositions like BReast CAncer gene 1 (BRCA1) or BReast CAncer gene 2 (BRCA2) mutations. Educating the younger population about early detection can help reduce late-stage diagnoses, which are harder to treat. In Kenya, breast cancer awareness campaigns have been largely focused on women. Still, efforts are being made to include men in screenings.

With Kenya experiencing one of the highest breast cancer mortality rates globally, it is crucial that both men and adolescents take an active role in their health through regular check-ups. Kenyan healthcare systems are working to reduce the gap in cancer care, but a cultural shift towards routine screenings for everyone, including men and adolescents, is necessary for long-term success.

Unfortunately, many cases in Kenya are detected in the late stages of the disease due to limited awareness, inadequate access to health services, and cultural stigma surrounding cancer. This has led to higher mortality rates, even though breast cancer is highly treatable when detected early. It is, therefore, crucial to spread awareness about the importance of early detection and screening for breast cancer.

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Early detection is key to surviving breast cancer, and it begins with understanding the warning signs and symptoms. These can vary between individuals, but some common signs to look out for include:

  1. Lump in the Breast or Underarm
    The most common early sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass in the breast. While not all lumps are cancerous, any unusual lumps should be examined by a healthcare professional.
  2. Changes in Breast Size or Shape
    Any noticeable changes in the size, shape, or contour of the breast may be a sign of breast cancer. This can include swelling, shrinkage, or distortion of the breast tissue.
  3. Nipple Changes
    Breast cancer can sometimes cause changes in the appearance of the nipple. This could include nipple inversion (turning inward), discharge (especially if it is bloody or occurs without squeezing), or sudden pain in the nipple area.
  4. Skin Changes
    Skin over the breast that becomes red, dimpled (resembling the texture of an orange peel), thickened, or scaly can be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer, a less common but aggressive form of the disease.
  5. Pain in the Breast or Nipple Area
    Although most cases of breast cancer are painless, any persistent pain in the breast or nipple should be investigated, particularly if it is accompanied by other changes.
  6. Lymph Node Changes
    Swollen or tender lymph nodes under the arm or around the collarbone may also be a sign of breast cancer, as the cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes.

Different Ways to Check for Breast Cancer

There are several methods for detecting breast cancer early. Regular self-examinations, clinical breast exams, and mammography are among the most common and effective ways to detect abnormalities in the breast tissue.

1. Breast Self-Examination (BSE)

A breast self-examination is a simple, routine procedure that individuals can perform at home to check for unusual lumps or changes in their breasts. BSE is especially important for women aged 20 and above, as it encourages them to become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts.

  • How to Perform a Self-Exam:
    • Stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides. Look for any changes in size, shape, or appearance.
    • Raise your arms above your head and look for changes again.
    • While lying down, use your opposite hand to feel each breast using the pads of your fingers. Move in small circles, covering the entire breast from the outer edge to the nipple.
    • Check for any lumps, thickened areas, or tenderness in both the breast and the underarm.

Though BSE can help individuals notice changes early, it is not a substitute for professional screening and should be done in combination with other detection methods.

2. Clinical Breast Examination (CBE)

A clinical breast examination is performed by a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or nurse, who checks for lumps or other abnormalities in the breasts and underarms. Women aged 20 to 39 are encouraged to have a CBE every three years, while women aged 40 and older should have one annually.

  • Advantages of CBE:
    • CBE can detect lumps that are either too deep or too subtle to be felt during a self-exam.
    • Healthcare professionals may also identify symptoms that individuals may overlook.

3. Mammography

Mammography is a type of X-ray that takes detailed images of the breast tissue, allowing doctors to detect abnormalities before they can be felt. It is currently the most effective method for early detection of breast cancer, capable of identifying cancers up to two years before they would be palpable during a physical exam.

  • Recommendations for Mammograms in Kenya:
    • Women aged 40 and older are encouraged to have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years, depending on their risk factors and personal medical history.
    • Women with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors may need to begin screening earlier or have mammograms more frequently.

4. Ultrasound and MRI

In some cases, additional imaging tests, such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be used to evaluate abnormalities detected by a mammogram or physical exam. Ultrasound is commonly used to differentiate between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts, while MRI is typically recommended for women with a higher risk of breast cancer or for further investigation of ambiguous results from other screening methods.

Importance of Early Detection

Early detection of breast cancer significantly improves survival rates. In its early stages, breast cancer is highly treatable, with a five-year survival rate of approximately 90% or higher. However, when detected at advanced stages, the prognosis worsens, and treatment becomes more complex and costly.

Raising awareness and making routine screening accessible to all Kenyan women is crucial in the fight against breast cancer. Kenya has made strides in improving access to cancer screening services, with several counties offering subsidized or free breast cancer screening programs. However, more efforts are needed to reach women in rural areas, where access to healthcare is limited.

Conclusion

Breast cancer is a growing health concern in Kenya, but with early detection, many lives can be saved. Understanding the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, regularly performing self-exams, and seeking professional screening are key steps in detecting the disease early. By spreading awareness and promoting regular screening, Kenya can take significant strides toward reducing breast cancer-related deaths and improving the quality of life for those affected by the disease. Early detection not only increases survival rates but also lowers the cost and burden of treatment.

Want more articles like this one?

Subscribe to get similar articles from MamaMzazi that make the journey of motherhood a little easier straight to your email.