What is breast cancer, what are its symptoms and how is it treated?

*This text has been written based on the information received from health institutions and organizations, hospitals and health professionals. If you or someone you know has any of the symptoms described here, our recommendation is to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

This breast cancer Leading tumor cases in women in Brazil. Characterized by the irregular proliferation of cells in the breasts, this problem causes 18,000 deaths per year in the country.

Despite this, there is treatment and prevention of the disease. Men and women who may be affected by this should know the first signs of the anomaly and should consult a doctor as soon as it is detected.

The disease is characterized by the formation of a lump in the breast. It usually starts with tumors in the milk-producing cells or mammary glands, but can spread to the lymph nodes and from there to the rest of the body, leading to the stage of metastasis.

Breast cancer causes

Experts believe the disease has hormonal, environmental, and genetic causes. However, as is common in cancer cases, the triggers that trigger the disease in the body are not clear.

Some evidence suggests that 5% to 10% of cases breast tumors linked to inherited genes, the best known being BRCA1 and BRCA2. Their presence also increases the likelihood of developing ovarian disease.

For this reason, many people have sought genetic testing as a way to prevent the problem. But critics warn that these tests are increasing the number of unnecessary breast-removal surgeries among healthy women.

Ideal for people with a family history of the disease is to adopt changes in their habits that will benefit their health and seek a doctor who can advise about the disease.

Risk factors

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. However, there are patients who do not have many of these features, as well as those who do not develop the disease. The main ones are:

• born woman: cis men account for only 1% of total breast cancer cases worldwide;
• Age: The risk of developing the problem increases with aging;
• Personal history of breast disease: problems such as lobular carcinoma in situ (CLIS) or atypical breast hyperplasia facilitate the appearance of tumors;
• Previous breast cancer case: very high risk of affecting the other breast;
• What happens in the family: there is a greater risk that the problem is genetic, especially when the disease occurs in close relatives at a young age;
• inherited genes: The presence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 is mainly associated with the appearance of the tumor in the breast;
• Radiation: particularly worrying for professionals working with nuclear technology, exposure to isotopes can cause several types of cancer, including breast cancer;
• obesity;
• First pregnancy after age 30: Other studies also point to a link between cancer and first-born pregnancy after adolescence. Other evidence like this old age menopause, by menstruating at an early age before the age of 12 and not having children;
• Postmenopausal hormone therapy: use of therapies combining estrogen and progesterone increases the risk of disease, which decreases with discontinuation of the drugs;
• Alcohol consumption;

prevention

Some changes in daily life can help reduce the risk. breast cancer. Healthier attitudes such as avoiding alcohol consumption, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in physical activity are excellent first steps.

Another important practice is self-examination. Anyone who suspects they are exposed to the problem can get a regular breast exam. This will make it easier to identify nodules or unusual signs.

You can request informational material on self-examination from a healthcare professional. In addition, a specialist can assist those who wish to screen for the disease through clinical or genetic examinations and tests.

Symptoms and treatment

In addition to the characteristic nodule, breast cancer it also causes changes in the size, shape or appearance of the breast, changes in the skin surface, scaling, nipple vertigo and redness.

If detected at an early stage, it can be treated with interventions such as surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

However, in a percentage of patients the tumors are only detected when they are in the metastatic stage. There is no cure at this stage, but there are palliative treatments that make it possible to relieve symptoms and delay the progression of the condition and prolong life for many years.

diagnosis breast cancer It can greatly affect a person’s life and therefore the best solution is to take action. The patient can find support among family and friends, through psychologists, and even in support groups.