El “Breast Cancer Awareness Month”, It is celebrated worldwide every October, increasing attention and support for awareness, early detection, treatment, and palliative care. The aim is to increase attention and support for awareness, early detection, treatment, and palliative care for this condition.
During this month, people are encouraged to wear a pink ribbon or bow, It is the international symbol used by individuals, companies, and organizations committed to raising awareness about breast cancer and showing moral support for women with this disease.
Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor among women worldwide. In Mexico, it is the leading cause of cancer death in women. In recent years, the number of deaths from this disease has increased alarmingly, primarily due to delays in starting treatment, whether from women delaying seeking medical attention after experiencing a possible breast cancer symptom, or from delays within the healthcare system, particularly in providing a definitive diagnosis.
There are multiple factors related to the development of this disease, and modifying any one of them helps to prevent it; these include the following:
- Hereditary factors, such as a family history of breast cancer, and mutations in the BRCA1, BRCA2, and TP53 genes.
- Reproductive factors, such as prolonged use of oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapies, early onset of menstruation, late onset of menopause, first pregnancy at a mature age, shortened breastfeeding period, and not having children.
- Lifestyle factors, such as alcohol consumption, being overweight, obesity, and lack of physical activity.
Educating the population about the signs and symptoms of the disease, as well as self-examination, has proven to be very useful in promoting awareness among women at risk and encouraging them to seek early care.
In addition to timely information, women should know their family and health history, as well as perform a breast self-exam, annual clinical examinations (after age 25) and annual mammography (after age 40).
