The fight against breast cancer is celebrated every October worldwide, but at BMI, we wear pink every day and advocate for prevention. According to the Pan American Health Organization, this type of cancer is the most common among women globally.
More and more women are facing this disease. There are various diagnoses, and each life story is unique, but the bravery and courage are repeated in every survivor.
The first step: a medical appointment
Every time you visit your gynecologist or general practitioner, ask for a breast evaluation, either because a friend has experienced it or because your family has a history of it. Whatever the reason, it is the right one and we encourage you to be alert! Whatever the reason may be, it’s the right one, and we encourage you to stay alert!
Reference: Pan American Health Organization
Why get preventive checkups?
Early detection of diseases:
Medical check-ups can help identify health problems in their early stages, facilitating more effective treatment.
Comprehensive health assessment:
A medical checkup not only focuses on specific problems but also assesses overall well-being.
Correcting healthy habits:
During checkups, health care professionals can make recommendations for a healthy lifestyle, which can contribute to disease prevention.
Long-term cost reduction
By detecting health problems before they become serious conditions, medical checkups can help avoid significant expenses related to prolonged treatments or complications.
How to reduce the risk of breast cancer?
Get vaccinated against the human papillomavirus. In girls aged 9 to 14, the risk of infection is reduced by 80%, according to PAHO.
Eliminate or reduce tobacco use (which causes 25% of cancer deaths).
Do not consume alcohol. According to the National Cancer Institute, nearly 4% of diagnosed cancer cases were caused by alcohol consumption.
The consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with a reduction in breast cancer risk. A 29% risk reduction has been observed (Source: Association of food groups and dietary patterns with breast cancer).
Engaging in physical exercise before a diagnosis is vital. If you are diagnosed and continue exercising for two years after treatment, the likelihood of cancer recurrence will be reduced by 55%, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Periodic examinations
Breast ultrasound
According to Mayo Clinic, a significant number
of women report that the first sign
of breast cancer was a new lump in the
breast that they discovered themselves. For
this reason, doctors recommend
becoming familiar with the normal consistency of
your breasts.
How to Prepare:
- Ask your doctor for a demonstration.
- Try to avoid having the exam the week before your menstrual period.
- Schedule your appointment when your breasts are not tender or swollen; this will help reduce discomfort and obtain good images.
Reference: Mayo Clinic
Mammogram
Mayo Clinic states that this exam, also known as a mammogram, involves an X-ray of breast tissue to identify any abnormalities. According to the American Cancer Society, women should follow these guidelines:
- Women aged 40 to 44 have the option to start screening.
- Women aged 45 to 54 should have it every year.
- Women aged 55 and older can have it every two years or annually.
In some countries, the exam can be requested before the age of 40. For this reason, it's ideal to visit a specialist.
Reference: American Cancer Society
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI is a detailed imaging technique used to detect abnormalities in the breasts. The interesting aspect of this exam is that it does not use radiation and is considered safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, according to Healthline.
A doctor may recommend it if a suspicious lump is found in the breast. This exam helps determine whether the lump is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid tumor, as well as its location and size.
Reference: Mayo Clinic
Statistics and survival
National Breast Cancer Foundation
Luciano Cassab, vice president of the Argentine Society of Mastology, states that this is achieved through regular check-ups and consultations with a mastologist based on age and family history. Additionally, using complementary methods is essential, as they are
the only ones that alert us when the disease shows no symptoms.
The five-year survival rate for women with an early diagnosis is is 99%, compared to 27% for cases diagnosed at advanced stages.
The number of women who have died from breast cancer has decreased by 42% between 1989 and 2019. This is attributed to early detection and improvements in treatment. (American Cancer Society)
Reference: American Cancer Society
As a result, more than 431,800
breast cancer deaths were prevented during that period.
In Colombia, 54% of women underwent mammography studies, while in Chile, Costa Rica, and Argentina, the figures ranged between 32% and 46%. Mexico, on the other hand, reached only 22%.
Additionally, the speakers at the event emphasized that Latin America does not have enough mammography machines, and in some areas, up to 20% of the equipment needs repairs.
Therefore, it is estimated that between 30 and 40% of breast cancer cases in Latin American countries are diagnosed at metastatic stages III and IV.
In the case of Mexico, Colombia and Peru, this rate rises to 40-50%, according to statistics presented at the event held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, attended by oncologists and other health specialists, pharmaceutical executives, patients and 82 journalists from the region.
No obstante, de acuerdo con la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), para reducir la mortalidad por cáncer, el 70 % de la población objeto debe realizarse mamografías, y ninguno de los 12 países latinoamericanos incluidos en un estudio reciente se acerca a este porcentaje.
Reference: https://consultorsalud.com/cancer-de-mama-reporto-mayor-prevalencia-en-el-ultimo-ano-en-america-latina/
