Did you know that when the breast cancer Although it is in its early stages, it is very difficult to detect. It often has no obvious symptoms, making it one of the most dangerous diseases for women. For this reason, self-examination and early detection are essential to increase the chances of survival. mammograms and other periodic examinations are essential to detect any abnormalities that go unnoticed in the early stages.
Usually, once breast cancer has developed, it can be detected as a lump or irregularity in the nipple area. Some patients have also experienced symptoms such as bleeding nipples, changes in the shape of the breasts, lumps, indentations or irritated and red areas.
How to perform a self-examination to detect abnormalities?
The first and most useful step is to perform a breast self-examination regularly. It should always be done in front of a mirror. Self-examination consists of observing whether both breasts are in proportion and symmetrical. We should also check the Skin appearance in the breast area, making sure there is no redness, lumps, or dimples.
The nipples should look as usual without any visual alterations such as indentations or irritation. Next, it is important to proceed to palpate the breasts in circular movements to check for any lumps. When we raise our arms, irregularities usually become more evident, so this step is also key during self-examination. Although self-examination is not a definitive diagnostic technique, it is crucial to detect abnormalities that could indicate the presence of cancer. If you detect something out of the ordinary, consulting the doctor is vital to perform more advanced tests, such as a mammography or a breast ultrasound.
Early detection: why is it so important?
El breast cancer It is the most common type diagnosed in women, and according to the OMS, more of 2,3 million cases new ones were diagnosed in 2022. Early detection of a malignant tumor not only increases the chances of successful treatment, but can also save lives. Mammography is the key tool in identifying tumors before they present symptoms. With the advancement of medical techniques, survival rates have increased considerably; and in many cases, breast cancer diagnosed in time has a cure rate of up to 90%.
However, not all women have the same access to preventive testing. Factors such as age, history of radiation exposure, and genetic background influence how often you should undergo these tests. Even without symptoms present, screening programs are essential for women after age 40, although in some specific cases it may be necessary to start earlier. Women with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are usually at much higher risk.
Warning signs in the diagnosis of breast cancer
One of the first symptoms of breast cancer is the presence of a lump in the breast or armpit. This lump is usually firm and, in most cases, painless. However, breast cancer symptoms can vary from patient to patient, so some women do not experience any noticeable changes until the more advanced stages. The following signs may indicate a possible case of cancer and require immediate medical attention:
- Change in the size or shape of the breast
- Skin changes such as dimples or wrinkles
- Inverted nipple or discharge containing blood
- Swollen skin or red areas
It is important to note that some of these changes may be benign, but it is always better to be safe and get tested if in doubt. Self-examination remains an effective method of detecting any abnormalities, but it does not replace the importance of routine mammograms.
Diagnostic tests for breast cancer
There are different diagnostic tools to detect breast abnormalities. Mammography remains the most commonly used test due to its high effectiveness in detecting tumors in their early stages. In some cases, ultrasounds are also used to complement mammography, especially in younger women who have dense breast tissue. Another test used in diagnosis is the sentinel node biopsy, which can determine whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
In addition to imaging tests, in some cases a tissue biopsy will be necessary if a tumor is suspected. A biopsy involves removing a small sample of breast tissue to be analyzed in a laboratory to confirm that the cells are malignant.
Treatments for breast cancer
Treatment for breast cancer varies depending on the subtype and stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. Common options include: surgery to remove the tumor, either by means of a lumpectomy (removal of the tumor and a small margin of healthy tissue), or a mastectomy (complete removal of the breast). In some cases, after surgery, it is recommended to supplement the treatment with radiotherapy o chemotherapy to reduce the risk of a recurrence.
The use of biological treatments such as trastuzumab has been shown to be highly effective in patients whose cancer is HER2 positive. On the other hand, cancers that express hormone receptors can be beneficially treated with hormone therapy, which significantly reduces recurrence rates.
In more advanced cases, treatment may include a combination of these methods and even the incorporation of emerging immunotherapeutic drugs, designed to help the immune system attack the most aggressive cancer cells.
Prevention and risk reduction
Prevention plays a crucial role in the fight against breast cancer. Although it is not possible to avoid cancer completely, there are steps you can take to reduce your risks. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as exercising regularly, avoiding excessive alcohol and tobacco consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight are some of the most common recommendations.
Women with a family history of breast cancer are advised to undergo screening. genetic testing to identify possible mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are indicators of an increased risk of developing the disease.
Considering risk reduction strategies, such as the option of undergoing a prophylactic mastectomy in women at high genetic risk, is also a possibility that should be thoroughly discussed with a specialist oncologist.
Knowledge of the early signs and symptoms of breast cancer, as well as regular self-examination and medical consultation in the event of any unexpected changes, are concrete actions that can make a difference in early detection and treatment.
With advances in imaging, genetics and personalized cancer treatment, more women than ever before have the opportunity to survive and move forward with their lives after a breast cancer diagnosis.