Detecting it in time saves lives.
Every October 19 marks International Breast Cancer Day, and throughout the month, pink appears on buildings, ribbons and campaigns to remind us of something that seems simple but saves lives: detecting it in time completely changes history.
In our country it is the cancer that most affects women and the one that takes the most lives: more than 5,800 per year. And something that many people don't know is that most women who have it did not have anyone in their family with the disease. Therefore, even if it has never happened in your house, controlling yourself is just as important.
There are things we cannot choose, such as age or family heritage. But there are others that are in our hands. Moving little, being overweight, smoking, drinking too much alcohol and living with a lot of stress increase the chances of getting sick. It's not to be scared, it's to take care of yourself a little more.
What is breast cancer
It is a disease that occurs when certain cells in the breast tissue begin to multiply abnormally and form a malignant tumor. If not detected and treated in time, it can invade nearby tissues and spread to other organs.
Risk factors: which ones can we modify?
Age, personal and family history, and certain genetic alterations may increase the risk. Some lifestyle factors, such as excess weight, sedentary lifestyle and alcohol consumption, also play a role.
Adopting healthy habits and knowing your family history allows you to reduce some risks and define appropriate follow-up strategies. Having risk factors does not necessarily mean developing the disease, and their absence does not guarantee that it will not appear.
Early detection: don't wait until you have symptoms
Breast cancer can develop without causing discomfort in its early stages. Therefore, it is important to perform the indicated controls according to age, background and individual risk.
Clinical breast ● examination: allows the professional to evaluate the breasts and determine if additional studies are needed.
● Mammography: is the main early detection study in asymptomatic women with average risk. In Argentina, it is recommended to do it every one or two years between the ages of 50 and 69. At other ages or with particular risk factors, the professional will evaluate when to start and how often.
Breast ● ultrasound and MRI: Indicated based on breast characteristics, results of other studies, and individual risk; not a universal replacement for mammography.
Genetic ● evaluation: may be considered for a relevant family history or suspected hereditary predisposition.
Knowing your own breasts helps to recognize changes, but self-examination does not replace check-ups nor does it constitute in itself a method of early detection.
See if you notice a nodule in the breast or armpit, changes in breast size or shape, nipple retraction, persistent skin changes, or spontaneous discharge, especially if it is bloody. Do not wait for the next scheduled check. Pink October is also an opportunity to review other aspects of health. Based on age, history, and medical indications, it is important to consider:
What are the PAP and HPV OR HPV test for?
Cervical cancer is primarily related to persistent infection with certain types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
The PAP allows detecting alterations in the cells of the cervix, while the HPV test identifies the virus associated with an increased risk of developing these lesions. Both studies help prevent cancer by detecting and treating precancerous lesions early.
How often should they be carried out?
● PAP: recommended from the age of 25. If the first two results are normal, it may be repeated every 3 years.
HPV ● test: from the age of 30, when it is available as a detection method. If the result is negative, it may be repeated every 5 years.
Vaccination against HPV is also essential to prevent this disease. Remember that an abnormal result does not necessarily mean that cancer exists and that the frequency of checkups may vary depending on history and medical indications.
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health: controlar la presión arterial, la glucemia y el perfil lipídico ayuda a detectar factores de riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares y diabetes.
Bone health:evaluar los factores de riesgo de osteoporosis y considerar una densitometría cuando corresponda, especialmente después de la menopausia.
Comprehensive gynecological health: conversar sobre el ciclo menstrual, la menopausia, la salud sexual, la anticoncepción y cualquier síntoma persistente.
No todas las mujeres necesitan los mismos estudios ni con la misma frecuencia. La consulta médica permite elaborar un plan preventivo personalizado y evitar tanto la falta de controles necesarios como los estudios innecesarios.
Nutrición y hábitos saludables: aliados de la prevención
La alimentación no puede garantizar que una persona no desarrolle cáncer, pero junto con otros hábitos saludables contribuye a reducir el riesgo de algunas enfermedades y a mejorar la calidad de vida.
● Prioriza alimentos frescos y variados: verduras, frutas, legumbres, cereales integrales, frutos secos y semillas aportan fibra y nutrientes esenciales.
● Mantené un peso saludable: especialmente después de la menopausia, el exceso de tejido adiposo se relaciona con un mayor riesgo de cáncer de mama.
● Limitá el alcohol: incluso cantidades bajas se asocian con un aumento del riesgo de cáncer de mama. Lo más recomendable para prevenirlo es evitar su consumo.
● Movete regularmente: procurá al menos 150 minutos semanales de actividad física moderada, complementados con ejercicios de fuerza adaptados a tus posibilidades.
● Evitá el tabaco y moderá los ultraprocesados: priorizar una alimentación de buena calidad favorece la salud metabólica y cardiovascular.
The most important thing is to know your body. If you find a lump in your chest or armpit, if you notice distinct, red or sunken skin, if your nipple changes, you have pain or fluid comes out, or if you see that your chest has changed shape or size, you should see a professional. It is almost always nothing serious, but it is best to prevent it.
The best way to take care of yourself is to find it on time, so touching and checking yourself every now and then helps you realize if something has changed, but it's not enough: you also have to go to the gynecologist once a year and have the studies that you ask for.
From the age of 50, it is ideal to have a mammogram every two years, and if there are cases in your family, it is advisable to start earlier. And in everyday life, walking, eating healthy and not smoking also help a lot.
Aprovechamos este mes para recordarte que dedicar tiempo a los controles es una forma de cuidarte hoy y a futuro. Agendá una consulta, revisá tus estudios pendientes y conversá con tu médico sobre las medidas de prevención que
corresponden a tu edad y situación particular.
If you have been postponing that shift, this October is the perfect excuse to take it out. And if you know someone who has also been leaving it for later, share these lines.
Taking care of each other is also part of the fight.
Equipo Médico de La Posada del Qenti
