Kerala oncologist outlines breast cancer warning signs and self-exam steps

Breast cancer remains one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in women around the world, yet it need not be a death sentence. When caught early, the disease is highly treatable and often curable. The problem is not the disease itself but the delay in finding it. Many women discover their cancer only after it has progressed, a gap that Dr. Ronnie Benson, who leads the Department of Medical Oncology and Haematology at Mar Sleeva Hospital, attributes largely to lack of awareness about what to look for and how to look for it.

The disease begins when cells in breast tissue start multiplying in abnormal, uncontrolled ways. These rogue cells can stay localized or migrate to nearby tissues and beyond. Understanding what causes this cellular rebellion is the first step toward prevention and early detection. Some risk factors lie within a woman's control: excess weight, sedentary habits, childlessness or short breastfeeding periods, alcohol use, and hormone replacement therapy all increase vulnerability. But the majority of breast cancer cases—between 60 and 70 percent—stem from factors no one can change: advancing age, the timing of menstruation and menopause, and family history. Genetic mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes carry particularly high risk. Testing for these mutations can identify women who need closer monitoring and earlier intervention, a tool that has become crucial in modern cancer prevention.

Every woman should know the physical signs that warrant immediate medical attention. A lump in the breast or armpit is the most obvious red flag. Less obvious but equally important are changes in skin texture—a dimpling or puckering that resembles the surface of a lemon peel. The nipple may turn inward, or it may discharge fluid that ranges from clear to milky to blood-tinged. In advanced stages, when cancer has spread, symptoms broaden to include jaundice, back pain, and headaches. The key is catching these changes before they reach that advanced point.

Dr. Benson outlines a five-step self-examination routine that takes only minutes but can save lives. Begin by standing in front of a mirror and looking carefully at both breasts. Note any changes in shape or color, any lumps, redness, swelling, or shifts in the underarm area. Pay attention to whether the nipples point outward or have begun to turn inward. Next, raise both arms above your head and look again, since this position can reveal changes not visible when arms are at rest. Then check for any unusual discharge by gently squeezing the nipple; if fluid emerges and it is anything other than clear, seek medical evaluation without delay. The fourth step requires touch: raise one arm and use the opposite hand to feel the entire breast, searching for lumps or areas of unusual firmness, then repeat on the other side. Finally, lie flat on your back, raise one arm, and use the other hand to examine that breast thoroughly, working through the same process for both sides.

The emotional weight of finding a lump or noticing a change can be paralyzing, but panic serves no purpose. Breast cancer, when detected early, responds well to treatment and recovery is faster than most women expect. The modern medical toolkit offers highly effective options. What matters most is making self-examination a habit—something done monthly, ideally—and scheduling an annual medical check-up as part of routine health care. This combination of vigilance and professional oversight creates the best possible chance of catching any problem while it is still small and manageable. The disease is no longer something to fear; it is something to watch for, to know, and to address promptly when found.