Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Your Skin Check Could Be a Lifesaver

At Nashville Dermatology Physicians, Dr. Jeffrey Berti and Dr. Toula Berti are proud to serve our greater Nashville community during October—Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This month carries profound weight as we reflect on how breast cancer impacts countless women and their loved ones. In 2025, an estimated 317,000 women (as well as some men)  in the U.S. will face a breast cancer diagnosis, touching lives far beyond the individual. As dermatologists, we’re dedicated to raising awareness about a critical connection: Your skin health can serve as a window to internal issues, including breast cancer. A simple skin check could catch early signs, and below, we outline why this matters now more than ever, including what to watch for in those telltale rashes.

1. Breast Cancer’s Impact and the Power of Awareness

- Aside from non melanoma skin cancer, Breast cancer is the most common cancer among U.S. women, with 2025 projections surpassing even melanoma. Its reach affects families, friends, and our entire Music City community.

- October’s focus on Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a call to stay proactive. Early detection saves lives, and your skin can sometimes be the first to raise the alarm.

2. What Skin Changes Might Signal Breast Cancer?

- Breast tissue extends into the underarms and chest sides, so changes there—like persistent rashes, redness, lumps, or dimpling—could point to something serious.

- What do these rashes look like? They might appear as red, scaly patches that don’t fade, or itchy, inflamed areas that mimic eczema but persist despite treatment. Some patients notice a thickened, “orange peel” texture (called peau d’orange) or small, hard nodules under the skin. Rarely, a rash might look like tiny bruises or ulcers.

- Dermatology Times (October 2025) emphasizes that dermatologists are often the first to spot these signs, as they can mimic common skin issues but signal breast cancer beneath the surface.

3. Real Stories from Our Practice

- We’ve seen routine skin checks make a difference. One patient came to us for a stubborn underarm rash—red, scaly, and slightly tender—thinking it was an allergy. Our exam prompted further testing, revealing an early breast cancer recurrence that allowed for swift treatment.

- These moments highlight why we encourage everyone, especially those with a family history, to report any unusual skin changes during their visit.

4. Supporting Your Skin Through Treatment

- Breast cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy often cause skin side effects—dryness, rashes, or nail changes. We collaborate with your care team to manage these, helping you stay comfortable.

- Regular skin exams also allow us to monitor for new changes that might indicate a shift in your health.

5. October: Your Time to Act

- Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder to prioritize your health. A full-body skin exam takes less than an hour but could uncover critical clues about your breast health.

Our Commitment to Nashville

Breast cancer touches too many lives, and we’re here to do our part. By examining your skin, we’re looking beyond the surface to protect your overall health. Those rashes—whether red, scaly, itchy, or thickened—could be more than skin-deep. This October, let’s honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month by taking action. A skin check with us could catch something early, giving you and your loved ones more time to live a healthy full life.

Contact: 615.212.2517 to schedule your skin exam or request appointment on our website.