Originally posted on: October 1, 2020
October is the month dedicated internationally to breast cancer prevention. According to INCA (National Cancer Institute), this is the second type of tumor that most affects women. But when discovered early on, the disease has a 90% chance of being cured, in addition to enabling less aggressive treatment.
Mastologist Lígia Teixeira, regional president of Alagoas of the Brazilian Society of Mastology, says that the tumor can manifest itself through a nodule in the breast, changes in the skin of the breast with an orange peel appearance, the appearance of a "lump" in the armpit , injury or the release of liquid (blood or clear water) from the nipple.
Taking these changes into account, the doctor points out that self-examination is a great ally for women to become aware of their body, get to know their breasts, understand when they are normal and know how to identify when a change occurs.
Dr. Ligia recommends that this observation be carried out once a month, preferably in the week after the end of the menstrual cycle, as in the period before and during menstruation, the breasts are sore. Women of all ages can do this process.
A good option is to include self-examination in your self-care routine! Our tip is that it should be at a time that is just yours, such as bath time. Standing straight, with your body wet and your hands soapy, place your left hand behind the back of your head and keep your elbow pointed upwards.
Once this is done, use your right hand to feel and feel the armpit and left breast. You can start with circular movements that start at the nipple and grow until it covers the breast. Then, you can feel in a straight line towards the nipple. Also make straight line movements up and down and, finally, press the nipple gently to see if there is any liquid escaping. Don't forget to repeat this process on the other breast.
If you find any abnormalities, remain calm and consult a gynecologist or breast specialist. An irregularity is not always indicative of cancer. In the same way, the absence of changes can give the false impression that everything is fine and delay your screening exams. Therefore, it is recommended to be monitored periodically by a gynecologist or mastologist.
“In Brazil, epidemiological data indicate that 43% of women with breast cancer are under 50 years old, therefore, it is essential to undergo mammography from the age of 40. This is the only imaging test that demonstrated a 30% drop in the mortality rate from the disease”, comments Dr. Lígia.
Mastologist Lígia Teixeira, regional president of Alagoas of the Brazilian Society of Mastology, says that the tumor can manifest itself through a nodule in the breast, changes in the skin of the breast with an orange peel appearance, the appearance of a "lump" in the armpit , injury or the release of liquid (blood or clear water) from the nipple.
Taking these changes into account, the doctor points out that self-examination is a great ally for women to become aware of their body, get to know their breasts, understand when they are normal and know how to identify when a change occurs.
Dr. Ligia recommends that this observation be carried out once a month, preferably in the week after the end of the menstrual cycle, as in the period before and during menstruation, the breasts are sore. Women of all ages can do this process.
A good option is to include self-examination in your self-care routine! Our tip is that it should be at a time that is just yours, such as bath time. Standing straight, with your body wet and your hands soapy, place your left hand behind the back of your head and keep your elbow pointed upwards.
Once this is done, use your right hand to feel and feel the armpit and left breast. You can start with circular movements that start at the nipple and grow until it covers the breast. Then, you can feel in a straight line towards the nipple. Also make straight line movements up and down and, finally, press the nipple gently to see if there is any liquid escaping. Don't forget to repeat this process on the other breast.
If you find any abnormalities, remain calm and consult a gynecologist or breast specialist. An irregularity is not always indicative of cancer. In the same way, the absence of changes can give the false impression that everything is fine and delay your screening exams. Therefore, it is recommended to be monitored periodically by a gynecologist or mastologist.
“In Brazil, epidemiological data indicate that 43% of women with breast cancer are under 50 years old, therefore, it is essential to undergo mammography from the age of 40. This is the only imaging test that demonstrated a 30% drop in the mortality rate from the disease”, comments Dr. Lígia.