A health expert has highlighted some lesser-known symptoms of breast cancer following Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden’s health struggles.
Amy was absent from this week’s results show which aired on Sunday night (October 27), after being rushed to hospital. It is thought she collapsed backstage moments after performing due a Foxtrot performance with celebrity partner, JLS‘s JB Gill.
The duo scored 32 points, securing fifth place on the leader board. A spokesperson for Amy commented: “Amy was feeling unwell and so an ambulance was called as a precaution. She is feeling much better and would like to thank the Strictly family for their love and concern. We request Amy’s privacy in matters of health is kindly respected.”
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Amy returned to the show full-time this season after battling stage 3 breast cancer, a diagnosis she received in May 2023. A second cancer discovery followed in June, leading to chemotherapy, a mastectomy, and a battle with sepsis during her treatment. While recent tests found no cancer cells present, she has not yet been given the all-clear.
Now, Dr Karan Raj has taken to TikTok to share some signs of breast cancer that people should be aware of. He stated: “Breast cancer isn’t always a lump, here are some unusual symptoms to check for!”
Rash
Among these, he mentioned: “A rash in the breast or nipple area. This is more common in inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), a type of cancer that doesn’t cause lumps.”
The National Breast Cancer Foundation in the US highlighted that a rash is often one of the first and most common symptoms of Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC). This rash can develop rapidly, even overnight, and may present as red, pink, purple or discoloured.
It typically covers at least a third of the breast, but can extend over the entire area, and may or may not be accompanied by itchiness.
Puckering or dimpling of the skin
Dr Raj explained that skin puckering or dimpling on the breast usually indicates a deeper lump pulling the skin inwards. This happens when a lump causes the ligaments or fibrous tissue in the breast to shorten, leading to an inward pull of the tissue and skin, resulting in a dent-like appearance.
‘Peau d’orange’
Dr Raj added that if the skin around the breast resembles an orange peel, a condition known as peau d’orange, it could be due to cancer cells blocking the lymph vessels in the skin. Peau d’orange, which translates to ‘orange skin’ in French, is another symptom of IBC.
Those affected will notice pore-like dimples on their skin’s surface, similar to the texture of an orange peel.
Changes to the nipple
Changes in the nipple’s appearance, such as sudden discharge or inversion, should also prompt a medical check-up, Dr Raj concluded. While itchy nipples can be an early sign of breast cancer, this symptom is relatively uncommon.
Breast cancer, which can affect both men and women, is the most prevalent type of cancer among females, with one in eight being diagnosed at some stage in their life. The NHS has highlighted that another symptom to be aware of is a change in the shape or size of the breast, or persistent pain in the breast or armpit.