Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women.  Statistics
show that one in every ten women will be diagnosed with breast cancer
during their
lifetime.Nowadays, as a result of early diagnosis and treatment
advances which have lowered breast cancer mortality rates during recent
years, cure
rates are in excess of 70%.

There are several risk factors that are linked to this disease.  These
include a family history with close blood relatives having had breast
and/or ovarian cancers, being overweight, a long exposure to female hormones
(early
period, late menopause) and the use of estrogen and progesterone hormones
for a period of over five years.

A mammogram is a radiological technique used to diagnose breast cancer.  This
test assesses mammary tissue and may be complemented with other tests such
as an ultrasound or an MRI (magnetic resonance image).  Should any
of these tests show anything unusual, a biopsy would be performed to rule
out
malignancy.

Once cancer is diagnosed, several treatment strategies can be administered
to fight the disease such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and
hormone therapy.  The type of treatment chosen depends upon the
clinical and pathologic properties of the tumour, the degree to which
the lymph nodes
are affected
and the stage the cancer has reached.

According to the Spanish Radiology Society, women should begin having screening
mammograms from the age of 40, or starting at 35 if the patient has an increased
genetic predisposition to cancer, after which mammograms should be repeated
on a yearly basis until the age of 70 or 75.

Self examination of the breast may help in the initial diagnosis of
breast cancer.  By getting to know how your breasts look and feel, you will be
aware of any change that occurs.  We recommend the following tips
to help you feel more confident about your breast health:

Get
to know what’s normal for you 
Take time to know the size and shape of your breasts during
the different phases of your menstrual cycle. When you feel
confident
with how they
look and feel
at different times, you’ll have a better understanding
of what is normal for you and more easily recognize any changes.

There is no such thing as “standard” breasts as what is normal
for you may not necessarily be normal for another woman.  You
will also find that your own two breasts are different from each
other and
perhaps
notice that they feel tender and lumpy during your menstrual cycle.

 

Be aware of changes

Checking your breasts is not only about looking for any abnormal lumps
but also about being aware of other important changes.  Pay attention
to: 
 

§       A change in the size or shape of your
breast
§       A change within the skin texture such
as dimpling or puckering
§       A change within the appearance of
the nipple or discharge from it
§       Thickening of the breast or lumpy
areas
§       Breast pain that does not go away  

Should you notice any of the above changes, you should see your doctor
as soon as possible.  These changes will probably be harmless but it’s
always best to check them and have your doctor’s reassurance.  Most
of the time that you find a lump or any other change, it is not serious and
can be easily treated if necessary.  However if it happens to be cancer,
then there is a very good chance of successful treatment.

Early detection is the key element in the fight against breast cancer,
as the earlier any problem is found, the better your chances.  Help yourself
reduce your risk and don’t let changes go unnoticed.

To make an appointment with our gynaecologist, call us on 952 908 628 or e-mail
us at info@marbellahighcare.com

High Care Hospital, Casa Sta. Isabel s/n, Urb. Las Mimosas 29660
Marbella  www.marbellahighcare.com