Woman’s Facebook post warns thousands about the subtle symptoms of breast cancer
It came as a great shock to 45-year-old Kylie Armstrong when she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. A textile designer by profession, Armstrong, who hails from Melbourne, Australia, received this shattering news in February. What came as a bad surprise was that her body did not show her any signs of breast cancer nor did cancer run in her family.
1 The Facts about Breast Cancer
All along, it was assumed that breast cancer is one of the easiest types of cancer that could be discovered as the symptoms are pretty obvious. But unfortunately for Armstrong, the obvious symptoms did not show. She did not discover any lumps in her breasts. The only reason she decided to go for a check-up was because of the cluster of dimples that started popping up on her right breast.
Since it did not seem harmful she wasn’t worried but fortunately, decided to get it diagnosed as a safety measure. When she met her doctor, Dr.Deborah Capko, even she could not find a lump. But both agreed up on the fact that the dimpling of the breast was not a healthy sign. So Capko suggested that Armstrong take a mammogram and an ultrasound. When the diagnosis came out, Armstrong’s worst nightmare came true- she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
The Facts about Breast Cancer
2 The First Sign Is Out Of The Blue
Capko, who is a breast surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, threw more light on Armstrong’s predicament. She explained that dimpling is one of the earliest symptoms of breast cancer and that it is also one of the most subtle symptoms of the same. It usually happens before the lump stage. While most women only search for lumps and masses, it seems that they should also be on the lookout for dimpling or ripples too.
Capko further explained how dimpling occurs when then cancer cells grow into a mass and affect the ligaments, thus tugging at the skin. But this does not always mean that dimpling means that you have cancer. It could also be a less alarming condition like a breast infection. But it is always, always, always important that you get it diagnosed. Capko advised that it is best not to ignore any abnormal signs in your body. It is better to be safe than sorry- clichéd, but true!
The First Sign Is Out Of The Blue
Armstrong’s news certainly struck her family and friends like a thunderbolt. But they are all trying hard to help her cope and stay in good spirits. But she is very fortunate that she could find out about her ailment before it was too late. She did not even have to wait till a lump showed- which is certainly a good sign.
3 The Snaps Are Now Viral
Armstrong posted pictures of the dimpling on her breast as a warning to her family and friends. But it has gone viral since then. As of now the post has been shared above 250,000 times and the numbers are still going up. Armstrong talked about how thousands of women were as surprised as her to find out that dimpling too is a sign of cancer. The post also helped revealing the experiences of many other woman who had to discover it the hard way that they had breast cancer as they only had dimpling as a symptom.
The Snaps Are Now Viral
Armstrong put up the post hoping that it may help at least one person to be more aware of the subtle signs of breast cancer. But it looks like her post is going to help millions across the world.
