A particularly deadly and aggressive form of the disease—breast cancer—has been surveyed as a condition that women are most vulnerable to and unaware of. Survey Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solov Research Institute (OSUCCC – James).
Less than half of women cited breast redness (44%), pitting/thickening of the skin (44%), or feeling one breast hotter or heavier than the other (34%) as possible symptoms of breast cancer. breast cancer, especially the rare and highly aggressive form of the disease known as inflammatory breast cancer.
An online survey of 1,100 American women 18 years of age and older found that 4 in 5 women (78%) identify a lump in the breast as a sign of breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer. Any area of the breast and any molecular sub-form of the disease are susceptible to the disease. Because it resembles symptoms similar to a breast infection, it is often misdiagnosed.
These signs include:
An orange peel-like texture or skin dimple;
– feeling of heaviness;
– tightening of the skin;
– breast engorgement; And
– infection-like redness
“Women should be aware that severe breast changes are not typical and that breast self-exams are still important.” According to Dr. Ko Ann Park, a surgical oncologist who oversees the OSUCCC-James Stephanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Cancer Program’s new Inflammatory Breast Cancer Program, 50% of inflammatory breast cancers are identified as stage 4 disease.
One way women should be able to identify changes in the feel and appearance of their breasts is to discuss it with a doctor. She points out that inflammatory breast cancer is so uncommon that even in the medical community, doctors and providers are not used to thinking of red breasts as a sign associated with the condition.
“Although inflammatory breast cancer represents only 1% to 5% of all breast cancers in the United States, it is a sneaky disease and challenging to diagnose. It is important that clinicians have a high degree of understanding with its subtle signs. Be familiar and be prepared to take immediate action to avoid a late diagnosis,” Dr. Park said.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer Clinic Launched at OSUCCC – James An Inflammatory Breast Cancer multidisciplinary team consisting of surgical, medical and radiation oncologists, breast radiologists, plastic/reconstructive surgeons, physical therapists and nurses has been established under the direction of Park and Breast Radiologists. Dr. Amy Keger.
As a result of the work, a comprehensive best practice clinical decision tree has been put in place to help the OSUCCC-James medical team quickly test and respond to potentially inflammatory breast cancer patients. According to Dr Park, we want to take these patients to the fore in the queue and plan the treatment strategy quickly so that the treatment can start at the earliest.
Also read: Research Suggests Hot Flashes May Be Harmful To The Heart
To raise awareness about this disease and the complications of its diagnosis and treatment, the team is collaborating with general practitioners and obstetricians/gynecologists.