Breast cancer is an oncological process in which healthy mammary gland cells degenerate and transform into tumors, growing and multiplying to constitute a tumor, being the second leading cause of death in Mexico from cancer in women, according to the mortality records of the National Institute of Statistics, Geography and Informatics (INEGI).
WHICH ARE THE RISK FACTORS?
In most cases there is no factor defined as a cause, however the risk of developing a breast tumor seems to have multiple causes, the most frequent are:
Age over 40 years.
Female gender.
Family history of breast cancer.
Never having had children.
Start of menstruation at an early age.
Cessation of menstruation at an advanced age.
Prolonged exposure to estrogens (use of contraceptives).
Obesity.
Breast cancer in the contralateral breast.
Diagnosis of any abnormality through mammography and / or breast biopsy.
Heritage. (presence of BRCA1, BRCA2 genes).
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump or lump, which can even be painless, hard, and has jagged edges.
Other possible symptoms of breast cancer include:
Swelling of part or all of the affected breast (even if a defined lump is not felt).
Irritation or indentations on the skin.
Pain in the breast or nipple.
Sinking of the nipples.
Redness, peeling, or thickening of the breast or nipple skin (orange peel skin).
Nipple discharge other than breast milk (there may be blood leakage).
HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?
The timely diagnosis of breast cancer is essential to achieve a good prognosis of the disease and the ways to diagnose it are as follows:
CLINICAL EXPLORATION OF BREASTS
• MASTOGRAPHY: It is the most effective test to diagnose breast cancer in a timely manner since it is capable of detecting lesions long before they can be discovered by self-examination or by the doctor.
• BREAST ULTRASOUND: Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to generate images on a screen. It does not emit radiation. It is a simple test, it does not generate pain and it runs quickly. It is a complementary technique to mammography and especially useful in young women.
• FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION PUNCTURE (FNA) and THICK NEEDLE BIOPSY (BAG): After a mammogram in which any tumor is identified and malignancy is suspected or not conclusive, it is a matter of obtaining a sample of cells or tissue mammary for study under a microscope by a specialist in Pathological Anatomy.
• SURGICAL BIOPSY: This involves removing the nodule or suspicious tissue for study under a microscope. Nowadays it is used less and less frequently due to its invasiveness.
HOW TO PREVENT?
You can decrease your risk by modifying certain health habits such as:
Maintain a healthy body weight.
Doing physical activity.
Have an adequate diet.
Do not use contraceptives for a long time.
Go for an annual checkup with your gynecologist.
Perform a mammography once a year from the age of 40.
Perform self-examination at least once a month at the time of the shower.
WHY IS THE MONTH OF FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER IN OCTOBER?
October was chosen because it was during this month that the first Cure Race was held in 1983. It was held in Dallas, Texas, and 800 people participated in it. Today, more than 1 million participate annually.
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