While many may make an appointment with their doctor after finding a lump in their breast, one study is urging women everywhere to keep an eye out for a few other unsuspecting symptoms.
The research, conducted by University College London, has found that one in six women (17 per cent) diagnosed with breast cancer first seek consultation after experiencing health indicators other than a breast lump.
They discovered that while most women with breast cancer sought help quickly after noticing abnormalities, those who experienced “non-lump” symptoms were more likely to delay seeking consultation for as long as 12 days – almost twice as long as it took for women with a lump to make an appointment.
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“Our research shows around one in six women diagnosed with breast cancer have symptoms other than a breast lump,” says Monica Koo, lead author and researcher in cancer epidemiology at UCL.
“These women are more likely to delay going to the doctor compared to women with breast lump alone.
“It’s crucial that women are aware that a lump is not the only symptom of breast cancer. If they are worried about any breast symptoms, the best thing to do is to get it checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
“Diagnosing cancer earlier really is key in order to increase the chances of survival.”
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