October is the month in which people, institutions, non-governmental organizations, companies and individuals engage in awareness campaigns for early diagnosis of breast cancer. Following this article, you will find a summary of important information about breast cancer.
Factors that increase the chances of getting breast cancer
- early onset of menstruation
- pregnancies at an older age
- obesity after menopause
- alcohol and tobacco consumption
- lack of physical activity
- genetics (if there have been ancestors affected by this disease)
- overweight and obesity, especially in menopause
- taking oral contraceptives without a doctor's supervision
Early signs
- changes in the shape of the nipple
- breast pain that does not go away after your period
- a lump that does not go away after your period
- there is discharge from the nipples, a fluid that may be clear, red, brown or yellow
- unexplained redness, swelling, irritation or itching of the skin
- swelling or lumps around the collarbone or under the arm
Later signs
- nipple retraction
- enlargement of one breast
- dimpling of the breast surface
- enlargement of lumps
- an orange peel-like sensation on the skin
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit
- visible veins in the breast
Breast cancer in men
Breast cancer is not usually associated with men, but it can occur in rare cases at any age, although it is more common in older men. Many people do not realize that men also have breast tissue and that the cells in this tissue can undergo cancerous changes.
The symptoms are:
- thickening of breast tissue
- discharge from the breast
- redness or irritation of the nipple
- inverted nipple
- unexplained redness, swelling, irritation and itching of the skin
Foods that are not recommended to be consumed
Foods that should not be consumed in order to prevent the disease or prevent it from recurring:
- fried foods
- white sugar
- red meat
- salt
- canned foods
- sausage
- alcohol
How is it detected?
1. Monthly breast self-examination - which is recommended once a month starting at the age of 20. After menstruation, circular movements are made with the hand while checking the breasts, up to the upper chest and armpits.
2. Clinical examination - check-up by medical personnel, recommended once a year.
3. Mammography - which should definitely be performed from the ages of 35-40 at least once every two years, it catches cancer in the very early stages. It is advisable to perform it when the breasts are not swollen and do not hurt.
Sources: WebMD, Healthline, Institute of Public Health
