October is World Breast Cancer Month. WomanHit.ru talks about timely preventive measures
It would seem that it is easier: from time to time to go to the mammologist. Make it the same habit as seeing the dentist every six months. But we are lazy, we feel sorry for money, we are afraid that they will suddenly say something unpleasant and have to be treated. As a result, almost half of breast cancer patients seek help too late. When surgery is inevitable and not a fact that will help. Every eighth woman has a chance to face this problem. And everyone, literally everyone, can ask themselves the question: “When was the last time I did an ultrasound of the mammary glands?” Over the past two decades, the incidence of breast cancer in Russia has increased. Because we are nervous, we smoke, we work the night shift and do many other things that are dangerous to our health. Many women of Balzac's age die from breast cancer. This type of cancer is the second most common cancer among women. We think: “How scary it is to lose your breast. My husband will leave me. " Do we really like to leave our husband alone, and at the same time children, relatives, friends, all this life? Die because there was no time to visit the mammologist? Well, you can check yourself on your own. Once a month - always in the first week after your period ends - stand in front of a mirror and analyze. Has the color of your breasts changed? Is there an asymmetry that you haven't noticed before? Maybe wreaths have entered somewhere? Have a different areola around the nipple? Raise your left hand, put it behind your head, gently examine the left breast with the fingertips of your right hand. First walk in a circle - from the armpit to the nipple, then walk vertically - from top to bottom, starting from the inner side of the chest to the armpit, you should be alert: - any thickening of the skin itself or under it, - retracted skin or nipple, - discharge from the nipple, - areas of skin that resemble cellulite (it should not be on the chest, there are enough hips), - it happens that the "balls" are somewhere in the armpit - this symptom can also refer to a breast tumor. If at least one centimeter of skin makes you nervous, quit your business, run to the doctor. Contrary to the popular misconception that “old people have breast cancer,” young people also suffer from this disease. Cancer in a young body develops much faster and more readily, so women under 35 should be examined 1-2 times a year. After 40 years, it is necessary to have a mammogram at least once every two years. Why? Why, you ask, has never been such a misfortune on our family and breast cancer was a rarity? Because they gave birth and fed without stopping. Nature cannot take away what is vital for the growing generation. In addition to the notorious heredity, late pregnancy (after thirty) and a complete reluctance to have children help the development of cancer. Too early or too late onset of menstruation can be a signal - watch yourself for the rest of your life, be careful, especially those who work at night are at risk. The fact is that the hormone melatonin, which suppresses the growth of tumors, is synthesized in the body in complete darkness. A couple of years ago, a study by Harvard scientists was published: night workers have critically elevated levels of estrogen, and it stimulates breast cancer, increasing its likelihood by one and a half. just sad. All of them must remember that cancer is curable. But we can cure it in the early stages, when no one would even think to enter the ultrasound room before work. Many brands are trying to draw attention to the problem of breast cancer. Back in 1992, Evelyn Lauder created the Breast Cancer Campaign and co-authored its main symbol, the pink ribbon. Over the years, this largest corporate philanthropic initiative has resonated in more than seventy countries. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), founded by Evelyn Lauder, has raised over $ 76 million to support global research, education and healthcare services around the world. As a result, breast cancer mortality rates have dropped by 40% since the late 1980s, and the number of people rehabilitated exceeds 90% (if the disease is detected early). William Lauder, CEO of the Estée Lauder Companies and Ambassador of the Campaign to Fight with breast cancer "in an interview noted that over the past 25 years there has been significant progress in the fight against the disease:" When my mother, Evelyn Lauder, launched the campaign, she knew exactly what she wanted: to rid the world of breast cancer. With the continued support of our customers, partners and employees around the world, we are moving step by step towards the fulfillment of her dream through continuous financial support for research and educational programs.” famous buildings and landmarks around the world - such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Constantine Arch in Rome. This year in Russia on October 1, the Polytechnic Museum was illuminated in bright pink for one night. And on October 22, Estée Lauder Companies, along with the Polytechnic Museum, held a conference on how modern science is looking for ways to fight breast cancer. The focus is on genetic mutations, new drugs and approaches to treatment, as well as the organization of psychological assistance. “Modern science has made significant progress in the study of malignant breast tumors. In most cases, this type of cancer is curable. But it all depends on timely diagnosis. If the disease is detected at an early stage, the prognosis of recovery is more often optimistic. Therefore, we are initiating an open dialogue about this delicate issue,”says Anna Kozyrevskaya, head of the department of educational programs at the Polytechnic Museum.
