Currently, breast cancer is the most frequent tumor among the female population, and its survival rate varies depending on the geographical area, being, for example, from 80 percent in Sweden or Japan to figures of 40 percent in countries with income low, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Mammograms are one of the most effective procedures for the early diagnosis of this disease when detecting asymptomatic tumors, but home palpation or auscultation is also an excellent preventive measure.
According to the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC), "a program of early detection of breast cancer well organized and completed by patients, should reduce mortality by 20 percent in women over 50 years."
As a general rule, the organs are formed by cells that divide in an orderly way to replace the aged or dead, and each cell has a series of control mechanisms that regulate this process. When these mechanisms are altered, the division becomes uncontrolled, which produces the tumor.
In the case of breast cancer, it is possible that this tumor is benign and can not invade other parts of the body, but it is necessary to control its development, both at home and by the specialist.
According to the AECC, there are certain risk factors for which it is necessary to intensify preventive measures, both through self-examination and through mammograms.
It is essential not to forget that men can also have breast cancer, a pathology that is increasing its incidence in the male group in recent years.
The manifestation of breast cancer in men is similar to that of women; the difference is that its appearance is usually delayed ten years more than in women, and, when focusing on treatment, specialists often opt for mastectomy or removal of the mammary glands.
About women, the steps to perform in breast palpation are as follows:
With the arms hanging on both sides of the body, it should be noted if the breasts have the usual appearance and size.
Placing the hands behind the head, the second step is to observe the nipples, looking for some abnormal secretion of the bright, milky, or bloody fluid.
Afterward, the arms should be stretched up to see if there is any difference in the size or shape of both breasts, in addition to observing if there are lumps in the armpits.
When the vertical examination is completed, the patient lies on a flat surface, placing the arm on the same side behind the head and resting the head on a pillow. It should be palpated with the fingertips, pressing the breast with circular movements and starting from the area farthest from the nipple.
Many times, specialists recommend carrying out this examination in the shower since the skin is more slippery, and it is easier to detect possible bumps.
Prevent breast cancer
According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is not a pathology that can be prevented. However, there are recent studies in which it has been shown that the risk of suffering from it can be reduced by exercising regularly (at least four hours per week).
In addition to physical activity, choosing healthy foods and controlling alcohol consumption can help reduce the chances of being obese or overweight, which could decrease the incidence of long-term breast cancer.
But, although preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer, "these are not enough if early detection is not carried out to improve the prognosis and survival of this disease, especially in low-income countries," adds the World Health Organization.
Mammograms are one of the most effective procedures for the early diagnosis of this disease when detecting asymptomatic tumors, but home palpation or auscultation is also an excellent preventive measure.
According to the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC), "a program of early detection of breast cancer well organized and completed by patients, should reduce mortality by 20 percent in women over 50 years."
As a general rule, the organs are formed by cells that divide in an orderly way to replace the aged or dead, and each cell has a series of control mechanisms that regulate this process. When these mechanisms are altered, the division becomes uncontrolled, which produces the tumor.
In the case of breast cancer, it is possible that this tumor is benign and can not invade other parts of the body, but it is necessary to control its development, both at home and by the specialist.
According to the AECC, there are certain risk factors for which it is necessary to intensify preventive measures, both through self-examination and through mammograms.
It is essential not to forget that men can also have breast cancer, a pathology that is increasing its incidence in the male group in recent years.
The manifestation of breast cancer in men is similar to that of women; the difference is that its appearance is usually delayed ten years more than in women, and, when focusing on treatment, specialists often opt for mastectomy or removal of the mammary glands.
About women, the steps to perform in breast palpation are as follows:
With the arms hanging on both sides of the body, it should be noted if the breasts have the usual appearance and size.
Placing the hands behind the head, the second step is to observe the nipples, looking for some abnormal secretion of the bright, milky, or bloody fluid.
Afterward, the arms should be stretched up to see if there is any difference in the size or shape of both breasts, in addition to observing if there are lumps in the armpits.
When the vertical examination is completed, the patient lies on a flat surface, placing the arm on the same side behind the head and resting the head on a pillow. It should be palpated with the fingertips, pressing the breast with circular movements and starting from the area farthest from the nipple.
Many times, specialists recommend carrying out this examination in the shower since the skin is more slippery, and it is easier to detect possible bumps.
Prevent breast cancer
According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is not a pathology that can be prevented. However, there are recent studies in which it has been shown that the risk of suffering from it can be reduced by exercising regularly (at least four hours per week).
In addition to physical activity, choosing healthy foods and controlling alcohol consumption can help reduce the chances of being obese or overweight, which could decrease the incidence of long-term breast cancer.
But, although preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer, "these are not enough if early detection is not carried out to improve the prognosis and survival of this disease, especially in low-income countries," adds the World Health Organization.
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