Early detection remains the main tool against breast cancer, a disease that has become the leading cause of cancer death in women in the world.
Dr. Mauricio León Rivera, director of the League Against Cancer, medical director of the Cancer Detection Center and Head of the Mastology Unit of the Ricardo Palma Clinic, pointed out that in our country the majority of Peruvians who are detected with this disease they already have an advanced stage and that is why five women die every day from breast cancer.
“Therefore, a culture of prevention against cancer is urgently needed, this being a disease that most of the time can be prevented and cured, thus avoiding many deaths,” added Dr. León.
He also mentioned that there are some signs that could indicate the suspicion of breast cancer, such as a tumor or lump in the breast that feels different from the surrounding tissue and that usually does not hurt; change in size, shape, or appearance of the breast; skin changes such as redness or retraction of the skin or a sore on the nipple that does not heal.
The doctor recommended that before the appearance of any of these symptoms, it is essential to go to the mastologist, a surgical oncologist specializing in this disease, and not to the gynecologist, to make the diagnosis and plan the most appropriate treatment from the beginning.
Early detection
Women should go through a mammography exam from the age of 40 on an annual basis, but in case of having a direct family history with this disease, it is recommended to start it from the age of 35.
In the same way, it is recommended to start with the breast self-examination from the age of 20 and with the annual clinical examination from the age of 30 by a specialist mastologist.
Dr. León also said that the exact cause of breast cancer is not known, but that we do know some risk factors, such as age, obesity, tobacco use, processed foods, alcohol or the use of hormones, among others. others.
The world is in mourning because the renowned actress and singer Olivia Newton-John, known for her role in the film “Grease” shot in 1978, died at the age of 73 after a long fight against this disease.
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