From Angels to Demons
Dra. Denisse de los Angeles Uribe Obregón
Magistrate of the Judicial Power of the State of Veracruz
October: month of the fight against breast cancer
The World Health Organization established October 19 as the international day against breast cancer with the purpose of raising awareness about the importance of its early detection; As a result, awareness campaigns are carried out throughout the month to inform the population about its symptoms and consequences.
The importance of raising awareness about this disease lies in the fact that, in most cases, those who suffer from it do not present any symptoms in the early stages, however, it has been shown that, when it is detected early, there are many possibilities of winning the battle ; unfortunately, 60% of cases are diagnosed in advanced stages.
It must be emphasized that, contrary to what might be thought, men are not exempt from suffering from it; males only represent 1% of cases, however, it is important that, like women, they are alert to any sign or symptom.
According to figures from the World Health Organization, 1.38 million new cases are diagnosed each year; Approximately 70% of deaths from this disease occur in low- or middle-income countries, of which only 30% have the possibility of offering free treatment to the population.
In our country, the panorama around breast cancer is also complex. The Mexican Institute of Social Security has warned that this neoplasm is the first cause of death in women over 25 years of age; annually more than twenty thousand cases are detected and around six thousand deaths are reported.
Faced with this alarming situation, both the federal and local governments have implemented prevention and control programs, which, in addition to focusing on early detection, aim to provide free follow-up and treatment to those who suffer from it.
In order to promote healthy behaviors, improve diagnostic processes and ensure adequate treatment, in 2011 NOM-041-SSA2-2011 came into force for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, control and epidemiological surveillance of breast cancer. .
Among the main recommendations of this official standard is the performance of a mammogram every 24 months, mainly in women over 40 years of age.
Likewise, as a prevention method, it is advisable to follow diets rich in fiber and low in animal fats, carry out moderate physical activity and maintain an adequate body mass index, as well as perform a monthly breast self-examination.
Knowing all these data is essential for its prevention, therefore it is important that we contribute to disseminating reliable information so that those who are at risk of suffering from this disease are in a position to receive treatment on time.
Although activism in favor of the fight against breast cancer increases considerably during the month of October, awareness must be permanent; Information on risk factors and behaviors is essential for their prevention and knowing the signs and symptoms is vital for their timely detection.
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