Many times, breast cancer does not present symptoms and the best way to demonstrate it is through imaging studies such as mammography or ultrasound.
Every October 19 marks International Breast Cancer Day, a date that remembers the importance of prevention. For this reason, Dr. Belén Hidalgo, mastologist at the Breast Pathology Unit of the San Borja Arriarán Clinical Hospital (HCSBA) tells us about its symptoms, risk factors and the importance of early detection.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the world and the country. Despite not being a 100% preventable pathology, Dr. Hidalgo pointed out that “about 25% is associated with risk factors that are modifiable, such as some healthy lifestyle habits.”
In this way, the mastologist indicated that some of the ways to prevent it are related to healthy habits. For this reason, he explained that to reduce the risk of appearance, one must “avoid excess weight, physical inactivity, tobacco and alcohol.”
He also highlighted that early detection of breast cancer “is ideal because it can allow us to find smaller tumors and, therefore, they will have a better chance of being treated and the patient’s prognosis will be much better.”
What are the symptoms?
There are warning signs that can be identified as: new nodule or lump in the breast or armpit, increased thickness or inflammation, irritation or sinking in the skin, redness or peeling in the nipple area, sinking or pain in the nipple area, non-dairy discharge from the nipple, change in size or shape and/or pain in the area.
However, many times there are no symptoms and the best way to demonstrate this is through imaging studies such as mammography or ultrasound.
You can also read: HCSBA users participate in a talk about post-breast cancer care
Risk factors
Finally, the HCSBA specialist stated that the main risk factor “is being a woman.” He also added that the older you are, the greater the risk of having breast cancer.
In addition, he clarified that there are other non-modifiable risks, “such as some patients who have some mutations or a family or personal history of having had breast cancer.”
In closing, Dr. Hidalgo maintained that there are other risk factors that are modifiable, for example “obesity or excess weight, alcohol consumption, tobacco consumption and physical inactivity.” Therefore, it recommends a healthy diet, regular physical activity, restful sleep, learning to manage stress, avoiding risky substances and maintaining positive social relationships.
Activities for breast cancer at the HCSBA
The HCSBA Breast Pathology Unit carried out two activities aimed at the user and employee community. Among them, a talk was held for users on post-breast cancer care. This was titled “Lifestyles after breast cancer: How do I take care of myself?”, where information was provided on follow-up after treatment of this disease and on recommended lifestyles for patients who have lived with this pathology.
An information stand on breast cancer awareness was also installed, located in front of Modular B. During the day, material on prevention, symptoms, data on screening exams was provided, and questions from users and officials were answered.
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