Early detection of breast cancer
Breast cancer in women in the developed world is the most common malignant tumor. In the Lipetsk region, the incidence of breast cancer is one of the first places in the structure of malignant neoplasms in women.
Unfortunately, a large number of women go to the doctor in the late stages of the disease, when it is very difficult to help preserve their health and life. The main reason for this problem is the lack of available information about breast tumors and their manifestations, as well as methods for early detection of breast cancer, one of which is breast self-examination. After all, no one will take care of a woman's health as a woman should do it herself.
Causes of breast cancer
First of all, it is a predisposition to malignant neoplasms of the breast. Breast cancer can occur on the maternal side in women of the first degree of kinship. This does not mean that this is waiting for every woman, but the probability exists, and therefore you should treat your health more carefully.
The older a woman is, the more likely she is to get sick. The incidence of breast cancer increases dramatically from the age of 40, reaching a maximum of 55-65 years. The latter circumstance is due to the fact that in the period from 40 to 60 years in the body of a woman there are significant hormonal changes due to the onset of menopause and the onset of menopause. The development of menopause is a normal physiological process, but during this period there is a certain decrease in the ability to adapt to new conditions and the resistance of the endocrine system to the effects of various factors that disrupt the hormonal balance in the body. Therefore, the probability of developing breast tumors during this period increases.But the disease "gets younger", it is often diagnosed at the age of 30-40 years and even in girls. Every woman is at risk to one degree or another.
There is a link between the development of breast cancer with a violation of childbearing function (absence or late pregnancy, gynecological diseases, spontaneous or artificial abortions, absence or very short period of breastfeeding of the child), late onset of puberty.Early onset of menstruation (up to 12 years); late menopause (after 55 years); menstrual cycle disorders; abortions, refusal to breastfeed or a short period of breastfeeding; long-term use of drugs containing estrogens (oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy).
At risk - women who have not given birth; women with the first birth after 30 years. A decrease in the birth rate often leads to diseases associated with hyperplastic processes in the uterus , such as fibroids, endometriosis, polyps, and mucosal hyperplasia. Unfortunately, all of these are also risk factors for the appearance of a breast tumor.
Stress also plays an important role. Often, it is after it that all forms of benign breast diseases become more acute, and the growth of oncological pathology begins aggressively.
Sometimes a malignant neoplasm is caused by a breast injury, it is in this place that a tumor can later form.
The predominance of animal fats and high-calorie foods in the diet.
Low physical activity (hypodynamia).
Contamination of the environment with toxic substances is also a risk factor in the development of a malignant neoplasm. Exposure to ionizing radiation can increase the risk of breast cancer. Do not underestimate the role of solar activity, radiation of household appliances (televisions, computer monitors, radiotelephones, etc.).
In this regard, it is extremely relevant to develop and implement preventive methods that can stop the growth of morbidity.
Self-examination of the mammary glands plays an important role in the early detection of breast cancer. Women who are proficient in this technique have higher medical activity and cancer alertness, and they are more likely to detect smaller tumors than women who are not trained in this technique.
Self-examination is recommended to be carried out systematically, once a month, in the first week after the end of menstruation (during this period, the mammary gland is physiologically softened), and for those who have entered menopause, every first day of the month.
Self-examination of the mammary glands includes examination in front of a mirror with lowered and raised hands, as well as palpation (groping) in the standing and lying position.
First of all, it is necessary to pay attention to the underwear (bra), whether there are any spots on it, to changes in the size, shape and symmetry of the mammary glands; to compaction in the mammary gland or pain during palpation; peeling, burning, itching, redness, wrinkling, retraction of the skin or nipple; the appearance of ulcers on the skin; enlarged lymph nodes in the axillary, supra-or subclavian area.
Regularly undergo preventive medical examinations and medical examinations. Women under 40 years of age undergo ultrasound examination of the mammary glands. After 40 years - mammography. This method allows you to determine changes in the structure of the breast tissue and axillary lymph nodes. Its main advantage is the ability to detect early forms of breast cancer, including minimal and non-palpable nodes (less than 1 cm in diameter). Mammography is performed: 1 time in 2 years after 40 years; 1 time in a year after 50 years.
At present (if digital mammographs are available), this study is not only informative, but also safe.
If you notice at least one of these alarming signs or identify any changes in the condition of the breast (since the last examination), immediately contact your doctor!
It is necessary to urgently see an oncologist if the following symptoms are detected:
- a palpable node in the breast or armpit area;
- diffuse compaction of the entire breast;
- deformity of the skin in the area of the mammary glands with areas similar to the " lemon crust»;
- swelling, redness, soreness of the breast, an increase in its size;
- thickening, retraction of the nipple, the appearance of dry or wet crusts on it.
Doctor-oncologist of GUZ " Lipetsk Regional Oncological Dispensary»,
Churakova Yu. V.
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