The cause and treatment of this disease have not been identified yet, but, if found in an early stage of evolution, can be treated with good results with conservative breast surgery followed by radiotherapy. This treatment of cancer diagnosed early, is ensuring a survival rate of five years of 97%. What should I do to detect breast cancer early?
1. Clinical examination of the breast: women aged between 20 and 40 should benefit from this exam as part of the overall control of the state of health, preferably once every three years. Women over 40 should be examined by a specialist once a year.
2. Mammography: It is an X-ray examination of the breast, with very low doses of radiation X Women over 40 years should receive an annual mammogram. If you see something suspicious in the breast or you have family cases of breast cancer, check with your doctor the moment when you should begin to make this investigation. Although some cancers may not be detected by mammography, it still remains an excellent method of diagnosis.
3. Breast self-examination: This method of early detection of breast cancer is important. To have the best results, make it to 10 days after menstruation. If you do not have a regular menstrual cycle, use this method the same day of the month.
What are the factors involved in the genesis of breast cancer - Risk factors: gender, age, genetic risk, family history, personal history of breast cancer, race, radiological examinations at age, biopsy, hormone replacement therapy, alcohol, obesity. Protective factors: breastfeeding, physical exercise, balanced diet.
Signs and symptoms that may suggest a breast cancer: 1. Tumor mass (swelling) in the armpit, breast or nearby. If it is painful, rough, irregular edges, adhering to surrounding tissues, there is likely to be cancerous. 2. Abnormal area of the breast. The feeling is charged denser than the surrounding tissues. 3. Change in shape or size of the breast. 4. So and so, the appearance of depressions or reddening of the skin breast. 5. Nipple pain or the formation of a depression. 6. Any abnormal secretion, different milk.
If you have any of these signs, consult a specialist immediately! Not every change you feel in your breasts mean cancer, because 80% of the bumps are benign, but the best for you is that a physician will indicate if you need investigations. To remember: 1. Breast cancer can occur at any age, but as we age, the risk increases. 2. The risk to develop a breast cancer at 70 years is twice that at 50 years.
3. More than 70% percent of women with breast cancer had someone sick from this disease in their family. 4. Early diagnosis means better chances of survival. 5. Mammography is a safe and effective tool for detecting breast cancer even before it can be felt. Annual examination by a specialist and monthly self-examination are very important. If you are interested in breast cancer foundations, there is the National Breast Cancer Foundation Australia. The Breast Cancer Foundation Australia raises money for breast cancer research, prevention, treatment and detection.