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Oct 28, 2024, 11:44

Keeping Abreast with Dr. Miriam Mutebi: Don’t let lumps freak you out

Miriam Mutebi, Breast Surgical Oncologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the Aga Khan University Hospital, shared on LinkedIn:

“‘Hey, let’s talk about that moment when you’re just minding your own business, and then—bam!—you feel something weird in your breast that wasn’t there last week.

Yep, that ‘Oh no, what is this?!’ moment.

Many women experience breast health concerns at some point. In fact, the The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that around 25% of women will face a breast-related issue during their lifetime, with most cases first presenting as a lump, which is typically brought to the attention of a primary healthcare provider.

That said, breathe.

Not all lumps are out to cause trouble. In fact; most of them are harmless—think of things like cysts (those little fluid-filled sacs), fibrous tissue (kind of like a little knotted-up bit of tissue glandl), or breast lumpiness. They might feel strange to the touch, but they’re often just a part of the biological changes your body will sometimes go through.

Here’s the deal though. While most lumps aren’t dangerous, you shouldn’t ignore them. If the lump is sticking around longer than your last hairstyle, getting bigger, or causing pain, you MUST get that checked out. And no need to panic! It’s not about jumping to worst-case scenarios but ensuring you’re on top of your health.

In younger ladies (teens to mid-twenties) most common lumps are fibroadenomas most affectionately known by clinicians as a ‘breast mouse’. From your 20s to 40s lesions like cysts tend to become more common. The risk of cancers generally increases with age, but in our African population, we tend to see many young women diagnosed with cancer so don’t ignore any lumps.

You know the drill—early detection is key. Don’t let the worry spiral take over. Think of it like a routine maintenance check, just like with your car. You’d rather find out that the little rattle under the hood is nothing than imagine your engine is falling apart.

Bottom line: lumps happen, but don’t let them freak you out. So check in with yourself. If something feels off, check in with your doctor. It’s all part of keeping those lovely girls healthy and happy!”

Miriam Mutebi

More posts featuring Miriam Mutebi on oncodaily.com

Miriam Mutebi is a Breast Surgical Oncologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. She is the President of the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), and past president for Kenya Society of Hematology and Oncology (KESHO) and on the Board of Directors of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).

She is the co-founder of the Pan African Women’s Association of Surgeons and is part of the Kenya Association of Women Surgeons. She is an avid supporter for the education and support for women, especially in surgery and she aims to provide mentorship for women in surgery and to improve women’s health and surgical care in Africa. She is currently pursuing a pilot’s license in order to extend breast care services to marginalized areas.