Breast cancer: symptoms, screening, and healthy habits to prevent it.
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women.
Although there is no single "normal" breast form, it is important to be alert to any changes in breast size, shape, or texture, especially if they occur along with other symptoms such as nipple discharge or sagging skin.
Fortunately, screening tests are available that can detect breast cancer in its early stages, increasing the chances of successful treatment.
Also, having healthy habits, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help prevent breast cancer.
In this article, you’ll see breast cancer symptoms, recommended screenings, and healthy habits that can help prevent breast cancer.
Vínculos relacionados (Anuncios):
What is a normal breast?
There isn’t a single type of breast. What may be normal for you may not be normal for another woman. Most women say they feel bumps or irregular surfaces on their breasts.
The way breasts look and feel can also be affected by menstruation, motherhood, weight gain or loss, and certain medications. Also, breasts tend to change with age.
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
Breast cancer warning signs may be different for each person.
Some people do not have any signs or symptoms.
Breast cancer warning signs include:
- A new lump in the breast or armpit (under the arm).
- Increased thickness or swelling of part of the breast.
- Irritation or subsidence in the skin of the breast.
- Redness or scaling in the nipple or breast area.
- Nipple collapse or pain in that area.
- Nipple discharge, other than milk, even blood.
- Any change in the size or shape of the breast.
- Pain anywhere in the breast.
Keep in mind that these warning signs may occur with other conditions that are not cancer.
Breast changes, throughout life, that are not cancerous
Most women have breast changes at different times in their lives.
Before or during your menstrual periods, your breasts may feel swollen, tender, or painful. You may also feel one or several lumps at this time due to excess fluid in your breasts. Your health care provider may ask you to come back for a different day of your menstrual period to see if you changed the lump.
During pregnancy, your breasts may feel bulky. This usually happens because the milk-producing glands are growing and growing. During breastfeeding, you may have a condition called mastitis. This happens when a milk duct is blocked. Mastitis causes the breast to look red and feel bulky, warm and tender. It can be caused by an infection and is often treated with antibiotics. Sometimes it is necessary to drain the duct.
As you approach menopause, hormone levels change. This can make your breasts feel tender, even if you are not having your period. Your breasts may feel bulkier than before.
If you take hormones (such as menopausal hormone therapy, birth control pills, or injections) your breasts may become denser. This can make it difficult to interpret the mammogram. Be sure to let your health care provider know if you are taking hormones.
After menopause, your hormone levels go down. You may no longer have lumps, pain, or nipple discharge. (2)
What are breast cancer screenings?
Breast cancer screening involves checking a woman’s breasts for cancer before signs or symptoms of the disease appear. All women should be informed by their health care provider about the best screening options.
Although breast cancer screenings cannot prevent breast cancer, they can help find the cancer in its early stages, when it is easier to treat.
It is recommended that women between 50 and 74 years of age, who have an average risk of breast cancer, have a mammogram every two years. Women between 40 and 49 years of age should talk to their doctor about when they should start having mammograms and how often.
The main breast cancer screening tests are:
- Clinical examination of the breasts
- Mammography
- MRI of the breast (3)
Healthy Habits to Prevent Breast Cancer
Although it has not yet been determined what causes this condition, there are several factors that can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Many of them have to do with our lifestyle.
To prevent breast cancer it is advisable to:
- Carry a balanced and high fiber diet
- Reduce the consumption of sugars and fats
- Exercise at least 30 minutes daily
- Maintain a proper weight
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption
- Perform a monthly breast self-examination from the age of 20, preferably on the fifth day of menstruation (4)
It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you suspect you have breast cancer symptoms.
Sometimes, in the early stages of breast cancer there are no symptoms, which can cause you to live for a while without knowing that you have this disease.
Vínculos relacionados (Anuncios):