In Mexico More than 27,000 new cases are reported annually. And at least 6,000 patients die from this disease. Furthermore, more than 55% of patients diagnosed with breast cancer in Latin America receive medical examinations at late stages, which impacts their survival, a specialist warned on Monday.
Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor among women worldwide. In Mexico, it is the leading cause of cancer death in women.
Existing barriers to accessing healthcare have led to a decrease in the effectiveness of implemented prevention strategies. Therefore, early detection has become central to breast cancer control.
As a measure for early detection, it is recommended that all women over 25 years of age examine their breasts after menstruation, looking for any lumps. If an unusual lump is found, a medical evaluation should be sought.
RISK FACTORS
These factors may include:
Risk factors that cannot be changed
- Growing older. The risk of breast cancer increases with age; most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50.
- Genetic mutations. Inherited changes (mutations) in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Women who have inherited these genetic changes have a higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
- Reproductive history. Early onset of menstruation before age 12 and onset of menopause after age 55 expose women to hormones for longer, which increases the risk of breast cancer.
- Having dense breasts. Dense breasts have more connective tissue than fatty tissue, which can sometimes make it difficult to detect tumors on a mammogram. Women with dense breasts are more likely to develop breast cancer.
- Family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer. A woman's risk of developing breast cancer is higher if her mother, sister, or daughter (first-degree relatives), or several family members on either her mother's or father's side, have had breast or ovarian cancer. Having a male first-degree relative with breast cancer also increases a woman's risk.
Risk factors that can change
- Not staying physically active. Women who do not stay physically active have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
- Being overweight or obese after menopause. Older women who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of breast cancer than those of normal weight.
- Taking hormones. Some forms of hormone replacement therapy (those that include both estrogen and progesterone) taken during menopause may increase the risk of breast cancer if taken for more than five years. Certain oral contraceptives (birth control pills) also increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Reproductive history. Getting pregnant for the first time after age 30, not breastfeeding, and never having a pregnancy that goes to term can increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Drinking alcoholSome studies show that a woman's risk of developing breast cancer increases with the amount of alcohol she consumes.
To reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, it is recommended to:
- Practice breastfeeding for more than 12 months.
- Consult your doctor about the use of oral contraceptives.
- Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables because of their high content of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.
- Minimize your consumption of fats, sugar, and alcohol.
- Maintain an adequate weight.
- Engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day.
To achieve early diagnosis and increase survival, it is important to:
- Breast self-examination from age 20, at least once a month.
- Perform mammography every two years in women over 40 years of age.
- Perform mammography in women under 50 years of age with a family history of breast cancer.
Undoubtedly, great efforts are required to achieve an organized social response and address breast cancer as a public health problem, in order to improve the quality of life of Mexican women.