Santo Domingo.- The Breast cancer Continue Being the main cause of cancer death Among women, both worldwide and in Dominican Republic.
According to data from Globocan 2020, That year there were more than 3,400 diagnoses and almost 1,600 deaths For this disease in the country, which represents an incidence of 59.1 cases per 100,000 inhabitants and a mortality of 26.4 %.
The doctor Leydy Paredes Duránclinical oncologist of the Advanced diagnostic and medicine centers and medical conferences and telemedicine (CEDIMAT)He explained that, although there is no specific cause for breast cancer, there are risk factors that can predispose to their development.
Among them are obesity, Sedentary lifestyle, early menarche (first menstrual cycle before the age of 12), the late menopause, and prolonged use of hormonal therapies, either for fertility or medical treatments.
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However, there are also preventive factors that contribute to Reduce riskhow to maintain a balanced dietperform physical activity, avoid alcohol and tobacco, and breastfeeding.
The importance of early detection
The diagnosis early remains the most effective strategy To improve the prognosis of patients.
The doctor Paredes highlighted the importance of breast self -examination Since 20 years, especially five days after menstruation.
“It is vital to observe Skin changes, texturethe presence of retractions, or orange skin, and feel the breast and axillary region to detect any adenopathy, ”he said.
For women with family or personal history of breast cancer, The recommendation is to initiate a breast profile from the 35 years, which includes mammography and areography, complementary studies that allow to detect injuries that could go unnoticed if only one of them was performed.
Although the Breast cancer It is more frequent in women, the specialist warned that men can also develop it, although to a lesser extent. Therefore, any anomaly in the male breast fabric must be evaluated by a specialist.
Myths and realities
Durán walls denied common beliefs such as breast pain or breast size determine Cancer risk
“Regularly, the Cancer does not hurt and the breast volume does not influence in its appearance. What can be a risk factor is breast density, especially in young women, ”he explained.
The specialist stressed that nearl 70 % of cases in the country are diagnosed In advanced stages, despite the fact that they exist accessible detection methods.
“Explore, know and go to the doctor in the face of any doubt or symptom. Early detection can make a difference between successful treatment and advanced disease,” he emphasized.
Regional data
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) He points out that cancer is one of the main causes of mortality in the Americas.
In 2020, he caused 1.4 million deaths, 47 % DAnd they in people under 69, which highlights the importance of early prevention and detection in all age groups.
