know the keys to prevent it “

TM. mg. Yannila F. Salas Daza, coordinator of the Imaging course at the School of Medical Technology of the Catholic University of Maule.

World Breast Cancer Day is commemorated every October. This date has been set by the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote early diagnosis, timely diagnosis of this disease and comprehensive management of breast cancer treatment.

What do we know about breast cancer? Affecting 99% of women, at least 1 in 12 women are expected to suffer from this disease for life. The risk of suffering from it increases with age and is associated with risk factors such as personal or family history of breast cancer; prolonged use of hormone therapies, starting with early menarche and late menopause, among others.

What can we do to detect it in a timely manner? Constantly performing breast self-examination, educating our mothers, aunts, grandmothers, grandchildren and friends about it, since, knowing ourselves, it is much easier to notice any changes or abnormalities in the breast.

Participate instead in mammography screening: in Chile women between 50 and 69 years are entitled to undergo a mammogram at least every 3 years, if they belong to the public system they can request it at their office; in the private system it can be managed through the Isapre or through the free choice mode.

If you are outside this age range but have any of the typical signs: nipple retraction, redness, pain, skin changes, nipple discharge, don’t hesitate to consult your midwife or gynecologist for care. In relation to the latter, it should be noted that the Chilean legislation allows workers to request half a working day to undergo a mammogram and this time cannot be deducted from their salary.

Why is early diagnosis important? Early diagnosis of breast cancer allows for timely diagnosis with less invasive treatments and a shorter and more bearable recovery; thus offering greater survival to those who suffer from it.

Raising awareness of breast cancer and its effects is a key part of our role as Medical Imaging Technologists, as it allows us to encourage the promotion of healthy lifestyles and, above all, self-care. May this pink month allow us to continue talking about this topic, educating and participating in the performance of mammograms and breast ultrasound scans that support the timely diagnosis and diagnosis of breast cancer.