Less than half of adults recognize some of the most common symptoms associated with breast cancer, according to new survey data from Ohio State University released Monday.
The vast majority of individuals (at 93%) recognize a breast lump as a key indicator of the disease. However, just 31% of those surveyed knew that a retracted, inverted or downward-pointing nipple could signal cancer. There also were alarmingly low levels of familiarity with other symptoms such as puckering (39%), loss of breast feeling (41%), thickening of the skin (45%) and nipple discharge (51%).
Findings are based on a survey of more than 1,000 women, conducted via phone and the web in September.
“Screening mammography is our No. 1 defense in detecting and addressing breast cancers at their earliest, most treatable stages,” breast medical oncologist Ashley Pariser, MD, said in an Oct. 16 announcement from the OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center. “But it is also very important for people to be familiar with the look and feel of their own breast tissue so that sometimes-subtle changes can be evaluated quickly to give us the best chance at early detection.”
Pariser and OSU also expressed concern around the finding that one-third of women are confused about breast cancer screening recommendations. The percentage was particularly high among women under the age of 30 (44%), who do not yet qualify for regular surveillance.
Despite 300,000 new cases of breast cancer and 43,000 deaths expected in 2023, few of those surveyed believe they are at risk of developing the disease. This included 75% of women (the disease actually affects 1 in 8) and 91% of men.
“Although we are making great strides in terms of detection and treatment, unfortunately we live in a world where breast cancer is still a serious concern for people,” Pariser said in the announcement.
Marty Stempniak has covered healthcare since 2012, with his byline appearing in the American Hospital Association's member magazine, Modern Healthcare and McKnight's. Prior to that, he wrote about village government and local business for his hometown newspaper in Oak Park, Illinois. He won a Peter Lisagor and Gold EXCEL awards in 2017 for his coverage of the opioid epidemic.