American doctor Robin Hall, 63, found out she had breast cancer after noticing an asymmetry in her breasts. She found it strange that her right breast was growing more than normal, and only after several tests was she diagnosed with the tumor.
Robin got into the habit of getting regular mammograms after being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 38. However, 25 years later, she discovered that the cancer had returned when she decided to investigate the right breast growth. The last mammogram performed by her had not detected the existence of any tumor.
Although breast asymmetry is common among women, the difference in the size of Robin’s breasts was not subtle. Even performing a mammogram, it was not possible to detect the cancer. The doctor insisted on researching the reasons for the symptom and only a second ultrasound was able to detect the tumor.
Rapid growth
Robin was diagnosed with very fast-growing breast cancer, which was located deep within the breast tissue. The tumor itself was 3.81 centimeters in diameter.
About eight months later, in September 2021, the American underwent a double mastectomy. Doctors advised removing both breasts because the tissue was so dense and she was at greater risk of developing cancer in the other breast.
“I feel extremely fortunate that I caught the problem even with how fast the tumor was growing,” Robin reports in Today newspaper interview??
Today, more than a year after the surgery and reconstruction of the breast, the doctor says that she is fine and, fortunately, she did not have to undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy. “If I had just had a regular mammogram and trusted the result, I wouldn’t be in the situation I’m in now,” she says.
the cancer
Breast cancer is a disease caused by the uncontrolled multiplication of abnormal cells in the breast. This reproduction forms a tumor with the potential to invade other organs.
Among the signs that indicate breast cancer are the retraction of the skin and nipple, discharge of watery or bloody discharge from the nipple, redness of the breast, small palpable nodules in the armpits and swelling of one part or the entire breast.
Breast cancer is a disease characterized by the disorderly multiplication of breast cells causing a tumor. Although it mainly affects women, the disease can also be diagnosed in men.Sakan Piriyapongsak / EyeEm/ Getty Images
*****Ilustracao-seio-feminino.jpgAccording to the National Cancer Institute (Inca), there are several types of breast cancer. Some have rapid development, while others grow slowly. Most cases, when treated early, have a good prognosis.Science Photo Library – ROGER HARRIS/ Getty Images
*****Photo-woman-doing-mammogram-1.jpgThere is no specific cause for the disease. However, environmental, genetic, hormonal and behavioral factors can increase the risk of developing the disease. In addition, the risk increases with age, being common in people over 50 years old.Jupiterimages/ Getty Images
****Photo-doctor-with-hand-on-patient-leg.jpgAlthough there are real chances of cure if diagnosed early, breast cancer is challenging. It often takes strength, hair, breasts, self-esteem and, in some cases, life. According to Inca, the disease is responsible for the highest number of deaths from cancer in the Brazilian female population.wera Rodsawang/ Getty Images
*****Photo-woman-doing-preventive-examination-2.jpgThe main signs of the disease are the appearance of hardened and usually painless lumps or nodules. In addition to these, changes in the characteristics of the skin or nipples, spontaneous discharge of liquid from one of the nipples, nodules in the neck or in the armpit region, and red breast skin or similar to an orange peel are other symptoms.Boy_Anupong/ Getty Images
*****Photo-woman-with-hands-on-bosom-1.jpgThe famous self-examination is extremely important in the early identification of the disease. However, to do it correctly, it is important to carry out the assessment at three different times: in front of the mirror, standing and lying down.Annette Bunch/Getty Images
****Illustration-preventive-breast-cancer-exam (1)In front of the mirror, take off all your clothes and look at your breasts with your arms down. Then raise your arms and check the breasts. Finally, place your hands on the basin, pressing to see if there is any change in the surface of the breasts.Reproduction / Metropolises
****Illustration-preventive-breast-cancer-exam (2)Foot palpation should be done while bathing with a wet body and soapy hands. To do this, raise your left arm, placing your hand behind your head. Then carefully feel the left breast with your right hand. Repeat these steps on the right breast.Reproduction / Metropolises
*****Photo-woman-doing-preventive-examination-1.jpgPalpation should be done with the fingers of the hand together and stretched, in circular movements across the breast and from top to bottom. After palpation, the nipples should also be pressed gently to see if there is any liquid coming out.Saran Sinsaward / EyeEm / Getty Images
*****Photo-woman-doing-preventive-examination-4.jpgFinally, lying down, place your left hand on the back of your head. Then, with your right hand, feel your left breast, checking the entire region. These steps must be repeated on the right breast to complete the evaluation of both breasts.FG Trade/ Getty Images
*****Photo-woman-doing-preventive-examination-6.jpgWomen over 20 who have cases of cancer in the family or over 40 years without cases of cancer in the family should perform breast self-examination to prevent and diagnose the disease earlyAlexanderFord/Getty Images
******Photo-symbol-October-pink-against-breast-cancer-3.jpgThe exam can also be done by men, who despite the atypicality, may suffer from this type of cancer, presenting similar symptoms.SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/ Getty Images
*****Photo-woman-doing-mammogram-2.jpgAccording to specialists, in the face of suspicion of the disease, it is important to seek a doctor to start official tests, such as mammography and laboratory tests, capable of pointing out the presence of the disease. andresr/ Getty Images
*****Photo-woman-with-hands-on-bosom-2.jpgIt is important to know that the presence of small lumps in the breast does not necessarily indicate that cancer is developing. However, if this nodule gets bigger over time or if it causes other symptoms, it could indicate malignancy and therefore should be investigated by a doctor.Westend61/ Getty Images
*****Photo-woman-doing-preventive-examination-3.jpgThe treatment of breast cancer will depend on the extent of the disease and the characteristics of the tumor. However, it may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and biologic therapy. Peter Dazeley/Getty Images
*****Picture-symbol-October-pink-against-breast-cancer-2.jpgThe results, however, are better when the disease is caught early. In case it has spread to other organs (metastases), the treatment will seek to prolong survival and improve the patient’s quality of lifeBurak Karademir/ Getty Images
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