Foresee, detect and treat breast cancer (I)
posted in Cancer |Learn how to recognize symptoms and explores the available treatments.
Breast cancer (or breast cancer) affects more than 178,000 women and nearly 2,000 men in the U.S. each year, according to the National Cancer Institute. In the Latino community any cancer takes so many lives like this. Each year there are approximately 90 new cases per 100,000 Hispanic people, the third highest rate of breast cancer after African-American and Caucasian women.
The disease need not be fatal and can be treated successfully if you take some simple steps to detect in its early days. The possibilities of overcoming it increase the more information you possess and keep more communication with your doctor. As part of the month to raise awareness about breast cancer, we give you information on the prevention and treatment of this cancer.
Know the symptoms
The most important thing you can do for your health is to know the common symptoms of breast cancer. These include:
• Changes in how you feel the breast or nipple. These changes may include the presence of a lump (mass) within or near the breast or underarm, enlarged in these areas as well as sensitivity in the nipple.
• Changes in the appearance of the breast or nipple. These may include changes in size, nipple inversion down into the breast, or scaly skin, red or swollen in the area of the nipple or areola.
• Nipple discharge.
Although the presence of the symptoms listed does not mean automatically that you have cancer, you should check with your doctor for an exam-fulfillment.
Detect breast cancer early
Both you and your doctor have an important role in detecting breast cancer, which consists of three major reviews:
• Clinical examination. The doctor examines the area of the breast, armpit and collarbone with your fingertips for masses or lumps, differences in the size or shape of the breasts, rashes or other unusual things. The doctor also looks for nipple discharge and swollen glands.
Clinical examination takes about 10 minutes.
• Mammogram. This x-ray of the breast is the best tool to detect cancer early. Though somewhat uncomfortable, mammography is quick and easy. The procedure involves placing the breast between two plates that push to get a clear X-ray.
A mammogram can show small bundles or groupings of packages before they can be detected in a clinical examination. According to the results, the doctor will do more tests to analyze the cells and if it finds something abnormal might do a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer.
It is important to include this test in your routine medical checkups. The National Cancer Institute recommends mammograms every 1 to 2 years from 40 years of age and as directed by the doctor for younger women. However, check with your doctor to decide how often you should get this test.
• Self. You yourself can examine your breasts to detect changes in their shape or size, and possible masses. Note that the breasts may change size or shape during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, age, or if you are taking birth control pills or other hormones. However, if you find anything unusual, see your doctor.