Prevention is the most important thing, closing the month of fight against breast cancer
Placing strong emphasis on prevention, through a correct process that must begin with self-examination and continue with other studies, mammography, for example, the Departmental Health Directorate of Cerro Largo put an end to activities for the pink month.
In the center of Plaza Independencia, stands from different institutions such as the Nursing Schools and health providers of the department were installed.
“We know that 1 in every 11 women in our country can develop this pathology throughout their lives. That is why it is very important to be here today to convey to you how important it is to be able to detect it in time” held the Graduate Alejandra Vázquez.
“Detecting early saves lives” summarized the Director of the Cerro Largo Primary Care Network. “Yes it is, we arrived on time and the expectation we have of being cured is much greater” he added.
“That is why it is so important to do a breast self-examination” he emphasized. “Hopefully all women after the age of 18 or 20 will start doing it. The idea is that they do it a week after the menstrual period, not during it due to hormonal changes. It is essential to be able to know our body to identify when there is something that we know is different and to be able to consult it” he stated.
“When we have any type of doubt, the important thing is not to hesitate to consult” Vázquez urged. “Sometimes we are overcome by fear and we withdraw and instead of consulting we keep to ourselves. That is the worst thing we can do” he warned.
The Director of the RAP suggested consulting as soon as possible because the chances of recovery are much greater. “We invite all women to do a self-examination and when detecting any circumstance that implies a change in color, secretions or a lump and even skin of a different color, do not hesitate and go to any doctor, to our reference doctor.” he insisted. “It doesn’t have to be at first with the Gynecologist. Sometimes we also waste a lot of time waiting for the specialist when any doctor we refer to can give us guidance on the matter” said Ms. Alejandra Vázquez.
ABOUT MAMMOGRAPHY
This study is recommended for women over 40 years of age. It is generally carried out every 3 years.
“In all annual gynecological check-ups we would also have to do a breast self-examination or the GP we have in case of any doubt or situation that we encounter when performing this self-examination” expressed the Dr. Sandra Dos Santos.
“Now the mammography period has been extended and is free or with a small fee up to age 69” he emphasized. “Before it was until 60, now it is until 69” reported.
“We were seeing that many people, older adults, after 65 were diagnosed with breast tumors for the first time” revealed.
“With this resolution of the Ministry of Public Health, we are going to reach more older women, in earlier stages and not like before, as we were seeing, breast cancer in older adults with already very complex situations” said the Director of the department’s Polyclinic Network.
“It is a tumor that can be prevented by control and prevention exams, therefore, we have to do it. We know that many women do not have a mammogram because of the pain it produces in some cases. We tell them that it is a second study that prevents a lot” Dr. Dos Santos stressed.
