Most women can't spot symptoms of 'sneaky' form of aggressive breast cancer, study finds
The disease can occur in any part of the breast and can show symptoms similar to an infection - with experts warning it is "challenging to diagnose".
Wednesday 12 October 2022 12:46, UK
Most women are unaware of symptoms related to an aggressive form of breast cancer, according to a study.
An online survey involving 1,100 women aged 18 and over was conducted in the US about a "sneaky disease" called inflammatory breast cancer which experts say is "challenging to diagnose".
The results showed 78% recognised a lump in the breast as a sign of cancer - but less than half (44%) would flag redness on the skin.
Just 34% knew one breast feeling warmer or heavier than the other was another symptom to look out for.
Only 44% would identify thickening of the skin as a symptom, according to the study commissioned by the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCCC).
The disease can occur in any part of the breast and can show symptoms similar to an infection.
The symptoms also include engorgement of the breast.
Dr Ko Un Park is a surgical oncologist leading a new inflammatory breast cancer programme at the OSUCCC and said: "Women should know that radical changes to the breast are not normal, and breast self-exams are still very important.
"Some 50% of inflammatory breast cancers are diagnosed as stage four disease.
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"It is important for women to recognise changes in both the appearance and feel of their breasts so that changes can be discussed quickly with a physician.
"Although inflammatory breast cancer only represents 1% to 5% of all breast cancers in the United States, it is a sneaky disease and challenging to diagnose.
"It is critical that clinicians have a high level of familiarity with its subtle signs and be prepared to take immediate action to avoid belated diagnosis."