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The main risk factor for this type of cancer is being a woman and being over 60 years of age. Although having a direct relative (mother, sister or daughter) is a risk factor, 70% of women who develop breast cancer do not have a family history of this cancer. Breast cancer also affects men, but it is much less common and 5-10% is inherited. The risk increases as the age of the woman increases.
Also read: Hormonal contraceptives and contagion by covid-19: What are the risks?
What can we do to prevent breast cancer?
As with many diseases, leading a healthy lifestyle is the best prevention. The We can prevent breast cancer:
– Maintaining a normal weight
– Reducing the consumption of alcohol and / or tobacco
– Moderate to vigorous exercise 3.5 hours a week (reduces risk by 30-40%)
– Breastfeeding your children
– Low fat diet
How can I know if I have breast cancer? What are the symptoms?
When there is already a malignant growth disturbance of breast cells, they can the following symptoms appear:
– indentations
– Discharge from the nipple
– Visible lump
– Palpable hard lump
– Change in the shape of the nipple
– Retraction of the skin
– Change in skin texture (“orange peel”)
– Asymmetric breasts
– Pain or lump in the armpit
Before symptoms appear, mammography is the screening test done. Mammography from the age of 40 is essential for the early detection of breast cancer, since 95% of women who are diagnosed early recover from this disease. Mammography is a radiological examination that allows finding tumors that are imperceptible to the touch. It is a free exam in the public system for all women between 50 and 69 years of age and all women, from the age of 50, are entitled to a free mammogram every 3 years, follow-up. If the result of this screening test is abnormal, it is required to be supplemented with other diagnostic tests such as a breast biopsy.
In young women, the breast tissue is denser, which prevents a mammogram from can visualize injuries well. In order to be able to analyze a suspicious area detected in the mammogram or to study solid nodules or cysts, mammary echotomography is used. This test is also used to guide a biopsy needle.
Another less common test is a breast MRI used in women at high risk of breast cancer or to assess response to treatments before breast surgery (chemotherapy).
As every year, on Monday, October 19, International Breast Cancer Day was commemorated, as part of the Cancer Month ephemeris. This is the day on which, year after year, women are called to undergo preventive check-ups. Because of Covid 19, a large majority of women in Chile have postponed our preventive exams. International health organizations are concerned about the impact that coronavirus disease could have on breast cancer figures, which is why I call on you to have your preventive checkups for both this and other women’s diseases.
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