The 4 warning symptoms that can indicate breast cancer

It is the leading cause of death of women in Chile and the increase in cases continues dramatically. He breast cancer It is a disease that mainly affects women. and this causes cells in the area to multiply uncontrollably and form tumors which, in their most advanced stages, can spread throughout the body and cause death.

However, when detected early, the prognosis for recovery is greater than 90%. there prevention This plays a very important role in saving a woman’s life.

According to the report of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the incidence rate of this disease in our country is 55 women per 100,000 inhabitants.

Furthermore, Dr. Nicolás Droppelmann, surgical oncologist and head of the breast cancer program at Clínica Universidad de los Andes, said: The third that the peak age, at which women usually present these malignant tumors in the body, is between 45 and 60 years.

According to Dr. Droppelmann, From the age of 30, all women should consult their gynecologist or midwife to determine when it is appropriate to begin check-ups, which must necessarily include a mammogram.

The above, because There are women who, although below the recommended age start taking preventive examinations, They may have a history of risk or certain symptoms it must be taken care of.

These warning indicators can be:

1. Palpable nodules. To the touch, bumps or uneven surfaces may be felt, in addition to being unnaturally shaped to look at.
2. Skin changes. Whether it changes color, shows irritation or peeling, it is a symptom that must be taken care of by a specialist.
3. Skin or nipple retractions. If the skin on the breast or nipple recedes, this may be a warning indicator.
4. Abnormal fluid secretions. Although it can be benign, it is important that it be examined by a specialist to differentiate it from another cause. If it looks bloody, it could indicate a risk of breast cancer.

—In this disease, you don’t want to wait for symptoms to appear. For this reason, we always promulgate that if the mammogram is altered, this is the first reason for consultation – reminds the specialist. L.T. in addition to emphasizing that the indicators generally occur in women who have not undergone preventive mammography.

“It is difficult to prevent breast cancer because most risk factors are not modifiable. However, We’ve highlighted five behaviors women can learn that can effectively reduce risk and even slow the growth of cancer a little and get us there on time. —explains the oncological surgeon from the UANDES Clinic.

1. A balanced diet. According to the specialist, it is appropriate to include all the elements of the food pyramid in your diet. That is, vegetables, fruits, legumes, low-fat meats, etc.
2. Exercise at least 50 minutes. Three times a week, women should try to move more and exercise.
3. Maintain a healthy weight. Related to the previous point, it is important for women who want to prevent breast cancer to avoid overweight and obesity, as they are risk factors.
4. Avoid drinking alcohol.
5. NO SMOKING.

-Yeah. Technology has improved in many ways. First, in terms of diagnosis: we have mammograms that have much better resolution than before. There are even 3D mammograms. All of the above allows us to detect things we couldn’t detect before. —indicates the oncological surgeon.

Additionally, added to the list Ultrasound, which also provides much clearer images thanks to the development of technology, and that Added to PET-CT – a state-of-the-art CT scan machine – it is easier to diagnose metastases and the extent of disease to other parts of the body.

And, regarding the treatment, the doctor ensures L.T. What Surgical procedures have also improved: they are less invasive, safer and have better response rates.

For their part, systemic treatments, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted and biological therapies which “They allow us to treat these cancers more selectively and with better results, which leads to better survival for our patients. »