Although breast cancer is one of the most feared by women – in Spain, it is estimated that one in eight is at risk of developing it throughout her life – it is also one of the tumors with the best prognosis and highest survival rates. survival. This advance is due, in large part, to social awareness about early detection. Prevention and periodic check-ups, such as mammograms, are essential to achieve a favorable prognosis and ensure a good quality of life.
Dr. Aleix Prat, an oncologist specialized in breast cancer at the Hospital Clínic Barcelona, explains the keys to early diagnosis: “Most of the time, breast cancer is detected in a mammogram during a gynecological check-up or because the patient herself notice a nodule in the breast.” Inspection and palpation are very simple techniques that can be very useful in detecting irregularities. Simply place your hand behind your head and make circular movements with your fingertips from your armpit to your nipple. This movement must be repeated lying down. Finally, it is important to squeeze the nipple and observe if there is any abnormal fluid leakage.
Most of the time, breast cancer is detected on a mammogram during a gynecological check-up or because the patient herself notices a nodule in the breast.
Symptoms that should be interpreted as warning signs are the appearance of lumps or nodules, changes in the size of any of the breasts, skin changes such as ulcers or color changes, and abnormal discharge through the nipple or changes in its sinking. . Pain in the breast when palpating, irregularities in the contour and the appearance of nodules in the armpit are also reasons for concern. Other symptoms, such as extreme fatigue or localized bone pain, usually occur in more advanced stages of the disease, indicating a serious situation that requires specialized medical attention.
Mammography is the most effective test to detect breast cancer. It consists of an x-ray of the mammary gland that uses x-rays in very low doses. It is usually performed standing, placing the breast on the mammography unit – a tray that compresses the breast tissue with a flat surface – to obtain images of the tissues. The age of maximum incidence is above 50 years. Dr. Prat points out that “in Spain, a mammogram is done every two years between the ages of 50 and 69 for the general population.”
It is not recommended to perform mammograms in women under 35 years of age, since the breast tissue is very dense and makes proper examination difficult. For this reason, the study usually begins with an ultrasound. In addition, there are situations that require special attention and must be notified to the healthcare professional. If the patient is pregnant or breast-feeding, has undergone a recent operation or has suffered an injury, it will be necessary to assess whether the test is appropriate. In the case of having a breast prosthesis, the technique must be adapted.
Mammography is not the only way to detect breast cancer. During a gynecological examination, the breasts, as well as the axillary lymph nodes and lymph nodes located above the collarbone, are carefully examined. If the doctor deems it appropriate, additional tests may be performed to detect possible cancer. These include ultrasound, which uses ultrasound instead of x-rays; MRI; the biopsy, which consists of obtaining a sample of the possible tumor; bone scan, used to identify metastases; and the thoracoabdominal scan or computed tomography.
Only between 5 and 10% of all breast cancers diagnosed have a hereditary component
Although the exact cause of breast cancer is unknown today, several factors have been identified that are associated with an increased risk of developing it. The main one is age: the older you are, the greater the risk. Other factors that increase the possibility are the early appearance of the first menstruation, late menopause and never having been pregnant. High breast density, exposure to ionizing radiation, alcohol consumption and obesity are also related to increased risk.
Although having a direct relative with breast cancer may slightly increase the risk, in this type of cancer genetic inheritance is not decisive. According to Dr. Prat, “only between 5% and 10% of all breast cancers that are diagnosed have a hereditary component.” In any case, self-examination and periodic reviews are highly recommended by experts.
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