As we celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, cases of lobular breast cancer are on the rise.
WASHINGTON — This Wellness Wednesday, we’ll talk about breast cancer awareness and the growing trend of lobular breast cancer. It is a little-known form of breast cancer that develops in the patient’s milk-producing glands.
“Most people don’t know much about this subtype, and I think that’s because the short-term prognosis is so good,” said Rebecca Seigel, senior scientific director of the American Cancer Society.
However, if this type of breast cancer is discovered late, the long-term prognosis for advanced breast cancer is not positive. She is the lead author of a report calling for further research into this specific type of cancer. “We need to differentiate this cancer in clinical trials to find more effective treatments, because the incidence is actually increasing quite steeply compared to other types of breast cancer.”
Tumors in patients with lobular breast cancer may grow or spread in a linear pattern. Seigal said it doesn’t form lumps like other breast cancers and can be harder to detect during a mammogram. She says women should look out for other signs, including inverted nipples, hardening of the breast skin, and sunken skin. If these symptoms persist for 1 to 2 weeks, they tell you to see your doctor.
Click here Learn more about types of breast cancer.
