Breast Check

Not all breast problems indicate the presence of cancer. Here are four common ones to look out for.

- Ayanda Nkonyana

Women have two big misconceptions about breasts: first, that the only breast illness that exists is cancer, and second, that all lumps are cancerous. But it’s not so. Breast problems are common. Although frightening when discovered, most of these problems will not give rise to panic, according to the World Health Organisation, because more than 70% of all patients with breast problems don’t have cancer.

However, these problems can cause symptoms akin to those of breast cancer. Joburg based breast specialist Dr Sarah Rayne says: “The most common symptoms that women notice are lumps, pain, a nipple discharge and changes in the skin of the breast.”

We speak to experts about these four symptoms and how to handle them.

SUSPICIOUS LUMPS

Most breast lumps are benign, meaning they aren’t cancerous. The lumps usually have smooth edges, can move slightly when you push against them and are often found in both breasts. Refiloe, 25, a student, developed a lump in her left breast two years ago. “I was fitting a new bra when I noticed a lump in my left breast,” she says. “It was painless – that’s what made me concerned that it might be breast cancer. I saw a doctor, who did a breast examination and, thankfully, found it was a benign tumour.” Dr Rayne says: “The most important thing to know when you feel a lump in your breast, is that most of these are not breast cancer. They’re present in 25% of all women, usually from ages 15 to 35. They can be in one breast or both, single or multiple. It’s normal breast tissue that has become enlarged by hormones.”