Breast cancer occurs mostly in women, but a low percentage of men can also develop it (0.5 to 1%).
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These symptoms can also be caused by benign conditions of the breast, so it is essential to consult a doctor for a proper evaluation if these changes are experienced. Those most common initial manifestations are usually the following:
- Lump or mass in the breast: One of the most common symptoms of breast cancer is the presence of a lump or mass in the breast. This lump can be hard, with jagged edges, and is often not painful.
- Changes in the size or shape of the breast: The breast may change in size or shape, and there may be noticeable asymmetry between the two breasts.
- Changes in skin texture: The skin of the breast may become thick, red, dimpled, or similar to orange peel.
- Nipple changes: The nipple may sag inward (retraction) or have changes in shape or texture. There may also be a discharge from the nipple, often with blood.
- Changes in the appearance of the chest: There may be changes in the general appearance of the chest, such as swelling, redness, or deformities.
- Sensation of pain or discomfort: Breast cancer does not always cause pain, but some women may experience discomfort in the breast or underarm area.
It should be considered that a woman with a first-degree relative with breast cancer (mother, sister, or daughter) has twice the risk of the general population, and if said disease was diagnosed before menopause, that risk is triple, so Therefore, it is essential to carry out the screenings earlier, to impact on the timely diagnosis, explains Dr. Marcela Bermúdez, a medical specialist in oncology.
Modifiable risk factors include exposure to ionizing radiation, obesity, alcohol, and estrogen exposure.Therefore, a healthy diet to maintain an adequate weight, avoiding the use of alcohol and exposure to radiation can have an impact on reducing the incidence of breast cancer.
Modifiable risk factors include exposure to ionizing radiation, obesity, alcohol, and estrogen exposure.
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On the other hand, Dr. Ana María Naranjo, general surgeon and mastologist at the CES University, assures that, “Breast cancer is perhaps one of the cancers that has shown the most progress over the years from prevention and risk reduction, with increasing knowledge of genetic testing, higher-quality imaging diagnosis, and disease management with targeted therapies.”
Thus, if breast cancer is detected early, there is a greater chance that management will be successful. However, if you wait too long, the cancer can progress to an advanced stage and more invasive and extensive therapies may be required, increasing the risk of side effects and complications, notes Dr. Naranjo.
It is worth noting that breast cancer occurs mostly in women, but a low percentage of men can also develop it (0.5 to 1%).
Not all lumps that originate in the breast mean the development of cancer, there are benign or non-cancerous tumors that do not represent a danger to life; Although some types of benign masses can increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer, hence the importance of any abnormality in the breasts being examined by a medical professional to determine the tests to be performed and an accurate diagnosis.
Currently, the country has what is established in Resolution 3280 of 2018 and in the Clinical Practice Guide of Colombia, which indicate carrying out:
- Bilateral mammography for women between 50 and 69 years, performed every 2 years in case of normal results.
- Likewise, the screening includes the clinical breast exam from the age of 40; it must be performed every year and must be done by a health professional (not to be confused with self-examination).
