These are the first symptoms you should pay attention to.

This Saturday, October 19th, will take place World Breast Cancer Day, which causes more than 6,000 deaths per year among the female population of Spain. Data from the Spanish Group for the Study of Breast Cancer (Geicam) shows that 30% of cancers diagnosed in women originate in the breast. This is why it is extremely important to raise awareness about the importance of prevention. In Spain, the overall survival rate 5 years after diagnosis of this tumor is 82.8%. and reaches 96% if the carcinoma is in the early stages.

Early diagnosis of breast cancer saves many lives and, when combined with various treatment methods, is the most powerful weapon in the fight against the disease. In Spain, a population-based breast cancer screening program detects 30% of tumors before symptoms appear. Besides, breast self-examination

This allows us to detect changes that could raise the alarm before this silent disease spreads. One symptom that may go unnoticed by many women is orange peel on the mammary glands. This term is used when carcinoma causes swelling of the breast skin that can be seen with the naked eye.

What does orange peel look like in breast cancer?

Swelling of the breast, called “orange peel” or “orange peel breast” (OPB), is characterized by increase in volume, skin thickness and density of breast tissue. According to the gynecologist Isabel Vicente, Responsible for the mammology department of the Miguel Servet Hospital: “This is a rare symptom of this disease.” which can also cause eczema or peeling nipples. In this case, the dermis appears thickened and uneven, which can lead to discoloration of the skin.

Other symptoms of breast cancer

What should I do if I notice signs of breast cancer?

Best time to perform breast self-examination during menstruation or immediately after. During this examination, you need to pay attention to the appearance of lumps or other signs that were not previously present. Raising your hands in front of the mirror, it is advisable to observe possible retractions or changes in the shape of the breast or nipple and assess whether there is discharge from the nipple spontaneously (without squeezing).

Dr. Vicente recommends If you have any changes, contact your family doctor or gynecologist.. It is the doctor who, after a new examination, will indicate whether any other examination is necessary if the presence of a malignant tumor is suspected.