BREAST CANCER
Understanding the Disease
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF BREAST CANCER?
Cancer is caused by changes in genes that control the normal growth and death of cells. Certain lifestyles and environmental factors can turn normal genes into abnormal genes that allow malignant cells to grow.
BREAST CANCER HOW IS IT TREATED?
The treatment of breast cancer is multidisciplinary, it deserves treatment with Surgery (partial or total removal of the breast), Chemotherapy (medicine that can be injected or can be taken) and Radiotherapy (application of ionizing radiation). Your doctors will offer you the best option for you.
IS IT TRUE THAT THE BIGGER THE BREAST, THE MORE LIKELY TO HAVE BREAST CANCER?
False. Breast size has nothing to do with the development of breast cancer. There is more to do with eating, such as eating saturated fat.
HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?
- Breast self-examination one week after the start of your menstrual cycle.
- Breast ultrasound (<40 years). Mammography (> 40 years).
- Visit your gynecologist and oncologist if you have questions about the results of these studies.
- Go for routine checkups, share healthy lifestyles, and identify early signs of cancer.
WHY IS SELF-SCAN NOT ENOUGH TO DETECT IT?
Imaging methods are able to identify small lesions that are not detected by scanning.
ARE THERE RISK FACTORS THAT PREDISPOSE BREAST CANCER?
There is no simple cause of breast cancer, but there are risk factors that can develop it:
Breast cancer can occur at any age, but the risk increases with it.
Having previously had breast cancer.
Having family members online like grandmother, mother or sister who have had breast cancer before menopause.
Never having had children.
First full-term child after age 30.
Early onset of menstruation.
Start of menopause after 50 years.
Hormone replacement after menopause.
Previous radiation to the chest.
Multiple biopsies for benign disease.
Long-term use of contraceptives.
Some women develop breast cancer without having these risk factors. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history.
“Go for routine checkups, share healthy lifestyles, and identify early signs of cancer.”
COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
-Nodule in the breast and / or armpit. Change in the size or shape of the breast.
-Thickening of the skin (orange peel).
-Sink of the nipple.
-Secretion of the nipple (including bleeding).
-Pain (in advanced stages).
-Most breast nodules are not cancerous, but they need to be checked to make a diagnosis.
HOW TO DO A SELF-SCAN:
With your arms down, see if any of your breasts is deformed, if there is a color change or if the nipple is deformed or sunken.
Place your hands on your hips, press firmly, lean forward and look for any of the above changes.
Now watch the changes, but with your arms extended upwards.
Standing with one hand behind your head, explore the entire breast in circular movements, starting at the armpit and ending at the nipple.
Perform the previous maneuvers, but now lying down and with a pillow under your back.
Finish the exam by squeezing the nipple and see if there is abnormal fluid leakage.
WHEN CAN I STOP GIVING ME MASTOGRAPHIES?
Never. After age 40 it should be done annually for life.