Preventing breast cancer
Written by:Before entering the subject, I consider it advisable to know the fact that breast cancer is the most frequent of all cancers that women may suffer, represents 16%. In men it also occurs but only in 2%. Breast cancer can be prevented with two fundamental actions: early diagnosis and screening or periodic breast examinations.
What is the early diagnosis of breast cancer?
We can define it as the early detection of the first signs or symptoms that the woman can detect in herself or, in her case, the professional that attends to that patient. Before any alteration that a woman sees, feels or feels to feel in her breast, NEVER DOUBT IT AND COME TO THE PROFESSIONAL "It is better to sin of apprehension than to sin of confidence", in this subject.
What is the Screening or periodic review of the breasts?
It can be defined as the periodic exploration that every woman must do annually even if everything is apparently normal. The two possibilities are:
The physical or manual examination of the breasts : performed by a specialized professional or by the woman herself, requires a minimum of learning to do it correctly. It has the advantage that it can be done as many times as the interested one considers necessary BUT as long as it does not induce her to an obsession or "cancerophobia", which creates a state of anguish difficult to bear. Before any "apprehension", go to the specialist to leave doubts.
Breast ultrasound and / or mammography. Ultrasound of the breast, based technically on ultrasound, can be practiced at any age and repeated if necessary, without any risk. Mammography, which is a radiological technique, should be performed at intervals of 18 to 24 months, to avoid unnecessary radiation to the patient and, in general, after 40 years of age. Everything exposed so far are NOT INFLEXIBLE NORMS, because if there is a family history of breast cancer or specific cases of various pathologies in the breast, the professional always informing his patient, will be the one that marks the control and periodicity guidelines of the same.
What should be avoided?
Above all, never deceive yourself, thinking that what you have perceived strange or new in your breasts will be nothing and that you should not go to the specialist quickly. In addition, you should avoid:
Hormonal treatments prolonged and not controlled by the specialist.
Alcohol consumption , overweight, obesity and lack of physical activity.
The exposure of the breasts directly to the sun , more than one hour and less without a strong protection for UVA rays.
It is also convenient to know
That breastfeeding has a protective effect against breast cancer. That does not mean that breastfeeding when it is necessary, for whatever reason, is harmful: NO.
That the first rule of women (Menarquia) before 10/11 and / or late menopause after 50 years of age, may be predisposing factors to breast cancer.
It is advisable to have the first birth before 35 years of age because the gestational state, like breastfeeding, can exert a protective effect. Mention must be made of the change in current social customs, in which it takes longer to have the first child for different socioeconomic reasons. This is real and implies that the woman must be forced to carry out her periodic reviews without allowing more time than recommended.
