Prevention is always better than cure.
Remember that this principle is especially true in oncology, we have developed this guide to provide information and early detection of female cancers in hopes of helping women to take care of themselves by raising awareness.
Female cancer, affecting the reproductive organs and breasts, among the most popular and feared. In many cases, however, prevented or diagnosed early in each case as far as recommended screening women constant.
Breast cancer
Breast cancer is very common: it affects one in 10 women and is the most common tumor in women (and men will also be affected, but with a significantly lower number).
A number of risk factors, some modifiable, such as lifestyle, makes some not, such as age (the majority of breast cancer in women over 40) and genetic-constitutional factors. Among the most harmful way of life may be mentioned, for example, diets rich in animal fat and low in fruits and vegetables, smoking and sedentary lifestyle are particularly: bad habits can be changed without too much sacrifice to get excellent results.
Some factors that may affect the reproductive life the risk of breast cancer: a short fertile period (late menopause and early first menstrual period) and pregnancy in young defensive, as well as breastfeeding for over a year.
About 10% of hereditary breast cancer or due to the presence of specific DNA mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Early breast cancer prevention should begin with self-examination performed regularly every month as early as age 20 and continues with annual breast examinations performed by an expert or specialist breast oncologist with an annual mammogram after 50 of age, but only if it is necessary, in young women.
Clinical breast examination
The clinical examination of the clinical breast examination by a doctor the whole breast. It's easy and painless way done in a doctor's office without the aid of special tools. Not only has this type of assessment is usually enough to make a correct diagnosis, but can be sure that help to explain some situations that are uncertain and unclear.
Before beginning the examination of the breasts, treat chest specialist with the story, as the collection of information that may be appropriate to establish the final diagnosis: the presence of breast cancer cases in the family, age early cycle's first menstruation and menopause, pregnancy, diet, hormonal therapy (p contraception, hormone replacement therapy during menopause, etc.).
Only after this period has been completed, you can continue with the clinical examination itself, which begins and ends with the observation by palpation: the doctor for all practical gesture every woman should do monthly at its own inquiry.
Younger women do not regularly visited by the breast specialist, but they are, but needs regular Breast Self-Examination (once a month between the seventh day and ten of the circle) and call your doctor and gynecologist for the controls.
In doubtful cases, the family doctor or gynecologist to recommend a specialist in clinical breast examination during this period, thanks also to other tests such as ultrasound, it is possible to distinguish between benign and malignant breast disease and indicate the most appropriate therapy, if necessary.
After 40 years, the annual visit is recommended, but after 45-50 mammography as well.
Laboratory tests
For early detection of women with breast cancer have a very effective tool in the first place went mammography or ultrasound of others such as magnetic resonance imaging. Prevention is important because even minute to identify the tumor increases the chances of effective treatment in a certain way, but it is important to choose the most appropriate instrument.
There is between 20 and 40 are generally of special tests whether there is an annual visit gynecological and breast specialist. Only in special situations, eg in the art and detection modules, it is possible to extend the analysis of biopsy or ultrasound (FNA) of suspect modules. Mammography is not recommended because the structure is too dense breast tissue in the age group that would make the results unclear. Between 40 and 50 women with a family situation of the risk of breast cancer, it is to say, mothers or sisters, start getting mammograms every year, preferably in conjunction with breast ultrasound because the structure is still thick. Between 50 and 60 years, the risk of developing breast cancer quite high and thus the women of this age have a mammogram every year control. Finally, after 60 years is the prevention of cancer and important in the case of breast cancer, even more, since between 50 and 70 years the risk of developing this cancer reaches its maximum. Experts recommend a mammogram every other year until at least 75 years of age as life expectancy has increased, and you can get good therapeutic results in elderly patients.
In women with positive genetic test for BRCA1 or 2 will display the sonogram and resonant half-yearly basis, even at a young age.
Although mammography remains a very effective tool for early detection of breast cancer, today there are other diagnostic techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (still limited to selected cases), PEM (Positron Emission Tomography - PET - especially for breasts) and a new test called Pap test the introduction of fluid into the breast ducts (the channels passing through the milk) and subsequent collection of the liquid carries with it certain cells. With the microscope it is possible to identify which of the pre-cancerous cells spill features allow early diagnosis of breast cancer.
Lifestyle
Regular audits are important for cancer prevention, but also a healthy lifestyle helps to dramatically reduce the risk of disease. In particular, it is estimated that the introduction of healthy habits to prevent cancer development.
The rules to be adopted to achieve this important goal of prevention is basically a simple diet and exercise habits, and so-called luxuries, the methods that give pleasure, but they are dangerous to health as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption. It does not take much effort: give little attention to what you eat and try not to lead a sedentary lifestyle. Maintaining weight is not only aesthetic but also and above all by the early choice of health in many cancers.
For example, in a good way to reduce the risk of cancer is to follow the traditional Mediterranean diet. And do not forget that proper nutrition is also the basis for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. In addition to the quality of the food we eat is also important in an amount not exceeding the calories that must be calculated based on age, weight, type of activity and many other personal settings.
With regard to physical activity should not be an athlete to Cancer Prevention: The best advice is to train at least 30 minutes moderate activity a day and at least five days a week. Such activity may, for example, take a walk in the park or the choice to move on the bike and car.
You should also address some behavior that seems harmless, but actually dangerous, such as excessive exposure to sunlight, and accelerated aging of the skin, can cause malignant tumors in the skin. This does not mean giving up the sun, but exposure in moderation and with proper protection.
Finally, with regard to smoking and alcohol, the data speak for themselves in relation to cancer: who smoke increases the risk of cancer, mouth and lung fibrosis, and affect all oncological diseases, while drinking too much alcohol is carcinogenic to the mouth, esophagus and stomach.
These rules are generally simple, with some modifications that are appropriate for all ages.
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