How does it happen?
Dr. Alexander Sanmiguel Wong, clinical oncologist at the Caribbean Radiation Oncology Center, explains that “many cancers originate from what we call precancerous lesions, which usually develop on benign masses or tumors (cysts), which undergo a process called atypical hyperplasia, in which there is a disordered development of cells, which are transformed from benign cells into malignant cells”.
The study author points out that “we can use this knowledge, along with what we know about other risk factors, to help optimize the breast exams we offer to women. For example, if a patient is diagnosed with benign breast disease and has other high-risk factors, such as a family history, she may benefit from more frequent screening.” It may interest you: Using hair straightening products increases your risk of uterine cancer.
What is to be done
Dr. Sanmiguel outlines the path to follow when you notice changes in your breasts: “From the first moment women notice a mass or lump, it is very important that they consult their GP immediately, to carry out the physical imaging exam and relevant studies, which allow to differentiate benign and malignant lesions, determining whether they require a biopsy or whether to continue with periodic medical checks.
Despite progress in the diagnosis of breast cancer in Colombia, through mammograms and breast ultrasounds, according to the specialist, there are some factors in the country that prevent timely diagnosis, such as the difficulty of accessing health services, the lack of knowledge of the population on the factors of risk and on the checks that must be carried out according to their age.
The incidence of breast cancer is increasingly worrying in Cartagena and Colombia, as Dr. Alexander Sanmiguel warns: “We have observed, with great concern, the increase in cases and an even more worrying fact is that they occur in women more young people, with more aggressive diseases and with advanced stage diagnoses”.
The specialist points out that this implies treatments for long periods that deteriorate the quality of life, toxic and expensive therapies, therefore it is urgent to review the environmental, nutritional and lifestyle factors that could be correlated, launch campaigns that help reduce the risk of suffer from this and any type of cancer.
