This October 19 marks the International Day to Fight Breast Cancer. On this date we remember the importance of self-examination and performing a mammogram.
MADRID, Oct 19. (EUROPA PRESS).- The specialist in Internal medicine Daniela Silva, E-Health Medical Manager of Cigna Healthcare Spaincalled to make visible lesser-known signs of breast cancersuch as small changes in the skin, which he asked women not to ignore because they can contribute to an early diagnosis and, therefore, a better prognosis.
“Recognizing these signs early does not seek to generate alarm, but rather to expand the threshold of attention and promote early detection. In a scenario where every minute counts, incorporating these criteria into the collective consciousness can have a direct impact on diagnosis times and, therefore, on treatment results,” he explained within the framework of the World Breast Cancer Day.
In this way, the expert insisted on the importance of going beyond conventional self-examination and paying attention to any visible changes in the breasts, even in the absence of pain or palpable nodules.
Among the signs that should attract attention, he pointed out the appearance of an irregular texture on the skin of the chest, with marked pores and small dimples, similar to the surface of an orange peel, which may indicate alterations of the mammary gland. If the appearance persists and does not disappear when gently stretching the skin, you should go for a check-up.
#ADayLikeToday International Day to fight breast cancer is celebrated. 🌸
Self-examination is part of prevention, knowing your body helps with early detection. 🎀#YourUniverse pic.twitter.com/vIgmVYTH8z— Universe Museum (@UniversumMuseo) October 19, 2025
As detailed, these changes are a consequence of local inflammation and obstruction of the lymphatic vessels in the area, characteristic of inflammatory carcinoma, a rare but very aggressive type of breast cancer.
Redness and changes in the nipple
Likewise, the appearance of redness, inflammation or temperature differences that remain for several days without apparent cause, although they do not cause discomfort, stood out. Along with this, attention should be paid if localized areas of the breast are more rigid, tight or thickened to the touch or adhered to deep planes, as well as wounds that do not heal, cracks or persistent sores, which require medical evaluation.
Another change that should be assessed is any retraction or alteration in the shape of the nipple, as well as peeling, crusting around the areola or abnormal secretions, especially if they occur in only one breast and without external pressure. Thus, the expert advised regular observation in front of the mirror and gentle palpation to identify these early warning signs.
Cigna Healthcare Spain has also focused on the work that companies must carry out, since of the nearly 300 thousand cases of cancer, of any type, that are detected in Spain each year, approximately 60 percent correspond to people under 65 years of age, the majority of active working age, according to the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM).
In this context, he urged companies to promote information campaigns, periodic medical check-ups, screening programs and the promotion of healthy habits, such as physical activity and tobacco-free environments, that promote prevention and awareness habits.