Since then, October has become the month dedicated to breast health, and the color pink is used to honor women with breast cancer, raise awareness about prevention and early diagnosis, and support research in this area.
The main objective of celebrating this date is to raise public awareness about the importance of preventive screening and early diagnosis of breast diseases.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women (excluding skin cancer), and it is the second leading cause of cancer death in women.
Data presented by the Portuguese League Against Cancer estimates that in Portugal, approximately 7,000 new cases of breast cancer are detected annually, and 1,800 women die from this disease, with about 1% of all breast cancers occurring in men.
Breast cancer is one of the diseases with the greatest impact on our society, not only because it is very frequent and associated with an image of great severity, but also because it attacks an organ full of symbolism in motherhood and femininity.
Research has shown that some women have an increased risk of breast cancer, which is thought to be associated with certain risk factors such as:
- Aging;
- Family history;
- Genetic alterations;
- Late first pregnancy;
- Long menstrual history;
- Hormone replacement therapy;
- Race;
- Radiation therapy to the chest;
- Breast density;
- Obesity after menopause;
- Physical inactivity;
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages;
Given that many of the risk factors associated with the disease are unavoidable, we must ensure that we avoid all those within our reach, trying to reduce the likelihood of disease incidence and prioritizing healthy lifestyle habits .
If cancer is detected early, the likelihood of effective and successful treatment is much higher; therefore, its diagnosis rests on three pillars:
1. Breast self-examination
Starting at age 20, all women should perform a breast self-exam monthly.
2. Clinical breast examination
Starting at age 30, all women should have a clinical breast exam. During this exam, the doctor palpates the breast and checks for differences between the breasts, as well as signs such as redness, skin depressions, discharge, or fluid loss when the nipples are pressed.
3. Mammography
Mammography allows for the visualization of breast lumps even before they can be felt or palpated by the woman during self-examination.
The doctor may suggest breast cancer screening tests before any symptoms develop and will make individualized adjustments to surveillance if the woman has personal or family risk factors for breast cancer.
It is important to regularly perform breast self-exams and screening tests before any visible signs or physical changes appear.
Be aware of the following changes:
- A lump or hardening in the breast or armpit;
- Nipple sensitivity;
- Change in breast size or shape;
- Changes in the color or sensitivity of the nipple or areola skin;
- Nipple retraction (nipple pointing inward);
- Discharge or leakage of fluid from the nipple.
Nurse Margarida Sampaio
