A woman has shared a powerful message on Facebook that urged people to get their breasts checked after she noticed a tiny change in her breast that led to her being diagnosed with cancer.
The first symptom of breast cancer the majority of women notice is a lump or an area of thickened tissue in their breast. However, as highlighted by Kylie Armstrong of Melbourne, Australia, it is not the only symptom to look out for.
Kylie revealed on social media that she went to the doctors after noticing dimples on her breast. It was this tiny symptom that led to her being diagnosed with cancer. She shared her poignant story in a Facebook post that was shared across the platform.
The post showed an image of her breast and a message stating, "Please take a good look at this photo. These 3 very, very subtle DIMPLES on the bottom of this breast are a sign of BREAST CANCER! This is what MY BREAST CANCER looks like."
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Posted by kylie.armstrong.125 on
Kylie said, "I felt no lump. The GP felt no lump. However, she listened to me when I said my breast looked different to usual and when I raised my arm I could see very, very faint dimples on the underside of my breast. The GP sent me for a mammogram to be sure. It wasn't obvious on the scan so they sent me for an ultrasound. The ultrasound found the cancer deep in my breast close to the muscle.
She continued to write, "These 3 dimples have turned my world and my families world upside down. We are shocked, we are numb, we are emotional, we are sometimes ok, we are pretending it's not happening, we are trying to absorb information, we are dealing with tests, we are crying, we are trying to continue as normal."
She concluded by encouraging other people to consult a doctor if they notice any change in their breasts. She said, "I am sharing this because I hope I can make people aware that Breast Cancer is not always a detectable lump. Please go straight to your GP if you notice ANY change in your breast. It could save your life."
Those who read the post shared their thanks and best wishes with one person saying, "Thank you so much for sharing. Sending you and your family love and healing thoughts. Good luck in your recovery."
Another commenter said, "Thank u so much for sharing. I'm definitely sure this post will save many lives. Good luck, Stay strong xxx"
Another said, "Thank you for sharing, I wish you the very best. Same happened to me last year I felt nothing other than an uncomfortable pain. I went to the Dr who said he could feel a lump and referred me for a mammogram. This test picked up cancer in my other breast deep in the muscle tissue. Ladies please go to your doctor even you think it's nothing xxx"
While most breast lumps are not cancerous, it is always best to visit your doctor to get checked.
The NHS advises people to go to their GP if any of the following are noticed:
• A new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast that was not there before
• A change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
• Bloodstained discharge from either of your nipples
• A lump or swelling in either of your armpits
• Dimpling on the skin of your breasts
• A rash on or around your nipple
• A change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast
Kylie has since shared her thankfulness for the overwhelming love and support her and her family received. She said she was doing well and is grateful for the personal stories shared by others that helped get her through some dark days.
