The average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer in her life is about 12 percent, per the American Cancer Society. This translates to a 1 in 8 chance, and the American Cancer Society estimates that in 2018, about 266,120 new cases will be diagnosed. Of those, about 63,960 new cases of carcinoma in situ (also known as CIS) will be diagnosed, which is important to remember because this is the earliest form of breast cancer and is non-invasive.
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About 40,920 women will die from breast cancer in 2018, per the American Cancer Society's estimates. These numbers can be shocking if you're just starting to pay attention to your breast health. Luckily, there are many resources out there designed to raise breast cancer awareness.
One of these resources is a viral, friendly image of lemons that has gone viral around the internet featuring the rare symptoms, as well as a common sign, of breast cancer. The National Breast Cancer Foundation recommends that all adult women perform a self-exam at least once a month, but it can be hard to know or understand what exactly you're looking for. That's where Know Your Lemons comes in. Part of Worldwide Breast Cancer, a US-based nonprofit that focus on global breast health education, they create educational tools that help those in need self-diagnose breast cancer.
While a Facebook post from
Erin Smith Chieze, shown below, went viral last year featuring just one of the educational images, we've compiled four from Worldwide Breast Cancer that every woman and man should see to combat the terminal disease in its earliest stages.1. The 12 Signs of Breast Cancer
This photo of a dozen lemons in an egg carton show the abnormalities to look out for when performing a self-exam. Here are the 12 signs listed.
- Thick area
- Dimple
- Nipple crust
- Red or hot
- Bump
- Sunken nipple
- Unexpected fluid
- Skin sores
- "Orange peel" skin
- Hard lump
- Growing vein
- New shape or size
The sunken nipple is also referred to as a retracted nipple. Unexpected fluid can come in the form of a bloody discharge or a clear fluid. "Orange peel" skin refers to skin texture.
To learn more about the meaning of each sign, Worldwide Breast Cancer does an excellent job of explaining on their website.
2. How to Identify a Cancerous Lump
The best time to check for a cancerous lump is at the end of your period. They often feel hard and, according to Worldwide Breast Cancer, immovable, though they can be in any shape or size.
3. How to Spot Breast Cancer
This handy infographic details the steps in case you find a suspicious symptom during your self-exam.
This friendly image makes understanding the steps to a breast cancer screening less clinical and more conversational.
4. Understand Your Risk
This printable, also found here on Worldwide Breast Cancer, defines your risk. This is meant to be used as a conversation starter at your doctor's office to facilitate a healthy and comfortable conversation about your physical health.
Here's the viral post that started it all, featuring the famous egg carton photo showing breast cancer symptoms, like the inverted nipple.
