Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most current problems modern clinical oncology, since this pathology ranks first in the structure of morbidity among the female population in most economically developed countries of Europe and North America. As for our country, in 2004, 47,805 patients with malignant neoplasms of the mammary glands were identified in Russia, with an annual increase in incidence corresponding to 8.5%. Statistical data also indicate a high mortality rate from cancer of this location (22,0054 patients in 2004) with a share in the mortality structure of 16.5%. Thus, for our country the problem of breast cancer is also very significant
Table Structure of morbidity by main localization (in%, for both sexes) Khabarovsk
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Localization |
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Trachea, bronchi, lungs |
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Breast |
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Colon |
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Female genitals |
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Lymphomas and leukemias |
Structure of incidence of malignant neoplasms in the Khabarovsk Territory
By share in the structure of all localizations (in both sexes as a whole)
e place - lung cancer-14.1% (14.6% in 2005)
1st place - skin cancer - 13.5% (11.9% in 2005)
1st place - breast cancer 11.3% (11.4% in 2005)
1st place - gastric cancer 8.2% (9.2% in 2005)
1st place - ZNO colon 5.6% (6.6% in 2005)
1st place - cancer of lymphoid and hematopoietic tissue 4.1% (4.1% in 2005), cancer of the rectum 4.1% (4.1% in 2005)
1st place - cancer of the prostate gland 3.5% (3.2% in 2005)
Breast cancer
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Primary |
neglect |
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Amursky |
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Ayano-Maisky |
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Verkhnebureinsky |
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Vyazemsky |
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Komsomolsk |
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p. Osipenko |
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Sovgavansky |
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Solar |
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Ulchsky |
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Khabarovsk |
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Khabarovsk |
Solving the problem of breast cancer seems possible in several fundamental areas: implementing screening programs in order to maximize the detection of early forms, as well as identifying risk groups depending on a set of relevant factors that are highly likely to lead to the development of neoplasia, and improving the treatment strategy.
According to available data, about 66% of women have no idea about risk factors. Naturally, knowledge on this issue would make it possible to increase the appeal to specialists - mammologists.
Risk factors can be divided into several groups:
increasing risk;
potential;
reducing the risk of breast cancer incidence.
Factors that increase risk:
The ratio of men and women with breast cancer is 1:135.
Age. Breast cancer is a disease of the menopausal and postmenopausal period. No more than 10% of patients develop breast cancer before the age of 30 years. However, from 25 to 65 years, the risk of morbidity increases 6 times. About 17 out of 1000 women aged 60 years are highly likely to develop cancer of this location within 5 years, i.e. The age range of 60-65 years is at the highest risk.
b) the state of the reproductive sphere
Back in 1961 it was shown that nulliparous women have a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who have given birth and had a pregnancy before the age of 20. Moreover, women who gave birth for the first time before age 18 are significantly less likely to develop the disease compared to those whose first birth occurred at age 25 or older (40% increased risk).
A history of abortion, especially before the first birth, is also a risk factor.
The incidence increases 2-2.5 times in the group of women who experience menarche early (before 13 years) and, conversely, menopause late (after 55 years).
Impaired ovarian function and inflammatory processes can increase the incidence of mammary neoplasia. Disturbances in hormonal homeostasis, ovarian dysfunction, and various types of inflammatory conditions significantly affect the incidence of breast cancer.
c) hormonal factors
In literature recent years The effect of hormone replacement therapy on the incidence of breast cancer is widely discussed. Positive Impact this treatment, especially in menopause, undoubtedly, but, on the other hand, it is quite possible to assume the implementation negative effects estrogen on breast tissue.
Most studies consider hormone replacement therapy a controversial risk factor, indicating a slight increase in incidence only during its use (2.1%). Canceling therapy reduces the likelihood of neoplasia, and the period of use with minimal risk is calculated in two years. The use of synthetic estrogens during pregnancy is undesirable.
d) oral contraceptives
Oral contraceptives are the most effective way protection from unwanted pregnancy. These drugs have long and firmly taken their place in gynecological practice. On the other hand, the components they contain cannot but have a direct effect on mammary gland tissue. How much can this increase the risk of breast pathology? A slight increase in the percentage of women with breast cancer is observed with continuous use oral contraceptives more than 10 years. In the rest clinical situations no increase in morbidity risk was observed. Moreover, similar drugs often used as an effective correction for some options fibrocystic disease.
e) fibrocystic disease
Fibrocystic disease (mastopathy, dyshormonal dysplasia). Mastopathy is a widespread diffuse or nodular pathology of the mammary glands, which, according to statistics, affects 53-62% of women. The variety of specific changes reflected in classical description mastopathy (WHO), sounds like this: it is a dishormonal hyperplastic process characterized by wide range proliferative and regressive changes in breast tissue with an abnormal ratio of epithelial and connective tissue components. From a morphological point of view, there are 3 variants of fibrocystic disease, depending on the degree of proliferative activity of the epithelium:
without proliferation;
with proliferation;
with atypical proliferation.
The risk of increased incidence is minimal with a non-proliferative form of mastopathy, but increases 2-4 times as proliferative activity increases, reaching the highest figures (up to 22 times) with atypical epithelial proliferation, especially in women with a family history.
e) genetic factor
The assumption about the hereditary nature of breast cancer was made after studying clinical features occurrence of the process. The so-called familial cancers are characterized by the following:
younger middle age occurrence - 44 years (i.e. 10-16 years higher than in the population);
the cumulative risk of developing metachronous cancer reaches 46%;
often combined with other types of tumors (integral specific hereditary syndrome RMJ).
In 1990, the first gene responsible for the occurrence of hereditary forms Breast cancer - BRCA I (17g 12-21). Its expression increases the overall risk to 85%, and in 33-50% of cases before the age of 50 years and in 56-84% after 30 years. The overall risk in the age-matched population is 2 and 7%, respectively.
However, subsequent studies demonstrated that BRCA I expression is a more specific marker of ovarian cancer associated with breast cancer (increased risk to 44%, regardless of age). Soon after the discovery of the BRCA I gene, there was speculation about the existence of a second gene - a suppressor more specific for breast cancer, and this gene - the BRCA II gene (13g 12-13) - was discovered. Its expression increases the risk of developing highly differentiated forms of cancer with a low mitotic index by up to 85%.
It is also necessary to mention a number genetic syndromes, primary multiple tumors in which breast cancer is included:
A large number of studies have proven the direct effect of ionizing radiation on the risk of developing breast cancer. An exposure dose of 100 rad triples the risk. Moreover, the age when the patient was exposed to radiation is extremely important: the period up to 30 years is especially dangerous in this regard (with a peak between 15 and 18 years).
A similar pattern can be observed in patients who received radiation therapy as a component complex treatment other oncological pathology. Thus, radiation used in the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma increases the risk of breast cancer, especially in young patients with a tendency to bilateral lesions.
h) alcohol
Alcohol becomes a significant risk factor when daily use not less than 50 ml, which increases the incidence by 1.4-1.7 times, especially when combined with other negative risk factors (family history, etc.).
The second group consists of the so-called potential risk factors, of which the dietary factor is actively discussed.
Nutritional components play an important role in at least one third of all malignant tumors. According to a number of authors, foods rich in fats actively influence the occurrence and development of certain neoplastic processes, which include breast cancer. Possible mechanisms of this influence are as follows:
endocrine imbalance;
modification of cell membrane lipids;
changes in the metabolism and biological activity of prostaglandins;
direct effect on cell metabolism;
the formation of peroxide compounds that provoke tumor growth;
changes in enzymes that metabolize carcinogens;
changes in the immune system.
In contrast to this, the use plant food, seafood, vegetable oils(olive, etc.) is considered by most researchers to be very useful, especially with concomitant obesity and hypertension.
And finally, factors that significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer include:
Thus, having considered most of the risk factors, with a certain degree of optimism we can assume that by reducing or completely blocking one or another factor or all together, we will be able to make significant progress in preventing such a terrible disease as breast cancer.
Despite significant advances in the treatment and early diagnosis of this disease, breast cancer, unfortunately, remains one of the most common cancers worldwide, with a steady upward trend in incidence.
If in 2010 57,000 patients with breast cancer were diagnosed in Russia, then already in 2016 more than 68,500 new cases were identified.
Let's look at the causes of breast cancer, what affects the risk of this disease, what every woman needs to know about and what preventive measures need to be taken.
Most risk factors for developing cancer are associated with exposure of breast tissue to the female sex hormone, estrogen. Their activity increases sharply during puberty, therefore early menstruation increases the risk of developing cancer.
Late menopause and the use of replacement (menopausal) pills are also considered risk factors. hormone therapy.
An important risk factor is obesity, especially after menopause. Adipose tissue actually creates estrogen-like compounds, so overweight increases the risk of breast cancer. Moreover, in lately There are reports in the scientific literature that even in women with normal body weight, but in the presence of adipose tissue, the risk remains high.
Even one glass strong alcohol per day may increase the risk of breast cancer, because. Alcohol has a detrimental effect on the liver, and the liver metabolizes estrogen.
It should be understood that none of these estrogen-related risk factors alone significantly increases the risk of cancer. However, the combination of these factors greatly increases the risk and leads to the development of breast cancer in women.
Women with dense breasts are more likely to develop breast cancer than women with less dense breast tissue.
In addition, denser gland tissue can interfere with early diagnosis during mammography: such tissue appears as a solid white spot on a mammogram. Therefore, women with dense breasts should undergo breast ultrasound (ultrasound with elastography and echo contrast) in addition to regular mammography. In some cases, it is preferable to perform MRI of the mammary glands with echo contrast.
Some women (less than 1% of the population) have a very high risk of developing breast cancer due to a genetic mutation that may be inherited from one of their parents. We are talking about the presence of a mutation in the BRCA 1\2 gene. The likelihood of developing cancer in this case is 60-80% during life, often at a young age.
Women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer on either their mother's or father's side may have this genetic mutation, especially if a family member developed the disease at a young age (under 50 years of age). If a mutation is suspected, a mandatory consultation with a geneticist and testing for the presence of a mutation in the BRCA gene is necessary.
These genes are especially common in Jewish families - Ashkenazi Jews. For women with a BRCA1\2 mutation, it is better to undergo MRI of the mammary glands with contrast for screening, as well as MRI of the pelvis in addition to mammography, and be regularly monitored by oncologists.
The risk is higher in women who have undergone high-dose radiation therapy to treat early-onset chest diseases such as Hodgkin's lymphoma. The number of biopsies performed increases the risk of breast cancer, especially if atypical cells.
There are several myths regarding breast cancer that need to be dispelled, such as:
There is no need to be afraid of low-dose radiation from mammography; it does not have a significant effect on the risk of breast cancer compared to the benefit early detection.
Smoking, despite the obvious harm to health, does not significantly affect the risk of developing this type of cancer.
Women who have had breast surgery are usually advised to avoid using deodorants due to potential problems after surgical intervention on the axillary lymph nodes. But not because of the risks - deodorant does not increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer.
Modern oral contraceptives contain more low levels hormones than our own and therefore do not increase the risk of breast cancer.
Annual mammography for all women over 40 years of age is currently the best strategy in the fight against this devastating disease.
Women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, in families with known or suspected genetic mutation(eg, BRCA), with previous breast radiation to treat other cancers at a young age, with a previous breast biopsy, and the presence of atypical cells are highly susceptible high risk and must undergo specialist consultation. In such cases, appointment may be considered medicines for the prevention of breast cancer.
Treatment of breast cancer in modern medicine has good results, and mortality from this disease is decreasing. However, some patients, after undergoing a mastectomy or other types of surgery, develop a recurrence of breast cancer - the return of signs of the tumor after its treatment.
There are 3 types of this condition:
It occurs when tumor cells reappear after some time at the original site of the malignancy. This condition is not considered as a spread of cancer, but as a sign of insufficiency primary treatment. Even after a mastectomy, parts of the fat and skin tissue remain on the breast, which makes recurrence possible. postoperative scar, although this rarely happens.
Women who have undergone breast-conserving surgery, such as lumpectomy, or radiation alone have a higher risk of recurrence.
It's more serious condition, indicating distribution tumor cells through the lymphatic ducts axillary lymph nodes V pectoral muscles, tissue under the ribs and sternum, into the intrathoracic, cervical and supraclavicular lymph nodes. The last two of the indicated localizations of the newly emerged pathological process, as a rule, indicate a more aggressive form of the malignant process.
The frequency of relapses, manifested by regional spread of tumor cells, is quite high and ranges from 2 to 5% of cases of malignant breast tumors.
This term refers to the appearance of metastases in other organs. In this case, the likelihood of cure is significantly reduced.
From a tumor focus cancer cells enter the axillary lymph nodes. In 65-75% of cases of distant recurrence, they spread from the lymph nodes to the bones. In more rare cases, metastases occur in the lungs, liver, brain or other organs.
In some cases, long after healing primary focus Breast cancer occurs again, but in a different gland. However, it has a different histological structure and other characteristics. Such patients are considered as newly diagnosed patients.
In the first 5 years without the use of additional treatment methods, only 60% of women do not develop new signs of the disease. If only surgery is performed, the probability of breast cancer recurrence is maximum in the first 2 years after surgery and is almost 10%.
Researchers studied the medical histories of almost 37,000 patients and found that relapses most often develop in stage 1 cancer, since in this case it is often not used radical surgery, as well as subsequent treatment with hormonal agents.
The overall recurrence and mortality rates continue to be high at 10 years, with a significant percentage of cases occurring in the first 5 years after treatment. If the patient did not have axillary lymph node involvement (stage 1) but did not receive hormonal therapy, the likelihood of the disease returning within 10 years after surgery is 32%. With damage to the lymph nodes (stage 2), this risk increases to 50%, provided only surgical treatment.
Unlike other forms of cancer, a malignant tumor of the mammary glands is not considered cured if no new signs of the pathological process appear over the next 5 years. Relapse can occur 10 or 20 years after the initial diagnosis, but this likelihood decreases over time.
Recurrent breast tumors occur when cells from the primary tumor persist in this area or other parts of the body. Later they begin to divide again and form a malignant focus.
Chemotherapy, radiation or hormonal drugs, applied after primary diagnosis cancer, are used to destroy possibly remaining malignant cells after surgery. However, in some cases such treatment is ineffective.
Sometimes the remaining cancer cells remain dormant for years. They then begin to grow and spread again.
The reasons for the recurrence of breast cancer are unclear, but there is an association between this condition and various characteristics of the tumor. A number of common factors, which can help predict the likelihood of disease recurrence.
Risk indicators:
Spread of the tumor to the axillary and other lymph nodes at the initial diagnosis, large number affected lymph nodes. If the lymph nodes were not involved, this means a favorable outcome for the patient.
How larger size of the original tumor, the higher the risk of recurrence. Especially often in such cases there is a relapse after partial removal gland and associated lymph nodes.
This is an assessment of tumor cells under a microscope. There are 3 main characteristics that determine the malignancy of breast cancer: the rate of cell division, their histological type (ductal tumor is more aggressive than tubular tumor), changes in cell size and shape. If the tumor is classified as class III (poorly differentiated cancer), the recurrence rate is higher than with a differentiated tumor.
This gene controls the production of a protein that promotes the growth of cancer cells. If such a protein is detected, more careful monitoring after surgery is necessary for early detection of precancerous changes in the remaining cells and timely treatment.
For patients with high level HER2/neu requires immunotherapy with the drug trastuzumab (Herceptin), often in combination with additional chemotherapy. Herceptin is also prescribed when chemotherapy or hormonal drugs are ineffective.
The presence of tumor cells in tumor vessels increases the risk of recurrence.
If the tumor has estrogen receptors (ER+) or progesterone receptors (PgR+), the risk of recurrence is lower with additional therapy.
This is an important prognostic factor. The Ki-67 protein is produced during cell division. An increase in its concentration is associated with more high frequency recurrence and reduced life expectancy.
Experts from the International Breast Cancer Study Group have found that with a positive ER or PgR status, the patient can be classified as low risk for recurrence if the following conditions are met:
Even for small tumors classified as the lowest risk, in the absence of additional therapy, the 10-year risk of recurrence is 12%.
Experts suggest classifying patients into the following risk categories:
Completely protect the patient from this modern medicine unable to.
However, many studies have shown that relapse prevention can be achieved through the use of additional hormonal therapy. It reduces the likelihood of the disease returning by at least 30% and significantly improves long-term survival rates.
For additional (adjuvant) hormone therapy, antiestrogens (Tamoxifen) and aromatase inhibitors (letrozole, anastrozole and exemestane) are used. Preference is given to the last group of drugs. They are prescribed after surgery.
To prevent the recurrence of cancer, modern surgery should also be carried out after surgery.
Any patient who has undergone surgery for a malignant breast tumor should know how a relapse manifests itself and contact an oncologist in a timely manner. It must be remembered that its symptoms can occur many years later, when the woman has already been removed from the dispensary register.
Signs of recurrence depend on the type of breast cancer.
Local relapse
The tumor appears in the same area as originally. If performed, malignant cells may spread to the remaining gland tissue. After a mastectomy, a tumor may appear in the scar area.
Symptoms:
Regional relapse
In this case, cancer cells multiply in nearby lymph nodes. This manifests itself as the formation of a lump (“bump”) or swelling in the area under the armpit, above the collarbone or on the neck.
Distant metastases
Cancer cells develop in other organs - bones, lungs, liver, brain. The most common symptoms:
The doctor may suspect recurrence based on clinical symptoms, physical examination data or . In this case, the following studies are additionally prescribed:
Its options depend on many factors, including the size of the tumor, its hormonal status, previous interventions, general condition body, as well as treatment goals and patient preferences.
Local recurrence requires surgical treatment. Since it usually occurs after breast-conserving surgery, the patient undergoes removal of the entire gland. After a previously performed mastectomy, the tumor and part of the surrounding healthy tissue are removed. The axillary lymph nodes are also excised.
A risk factor is any condition that increases the likelihood of a disease occurring in a given individual. Various types cancer associated with various factors risk.
However, the mere fact of having one or even several risk factors for breast cancer does not automatically mean that a woman will get it. Some women with a range of risk factors never develop cancer, while most people who get breast cancer have no visible risk factors.
High risk group
Women who have had cancer of one of the mammary glands earlier in life have an increased (3-4 times) risk of developing a new one. malignant tumor(not related to the previously cured one) in another breast or in another area of the same breast. This is not a relapse of a previously suffered tumor process.
Moderate risk group
Think about the numbers: for women aged 40 to 49 years, the risk of developing breast cancer is 1:68. IN age group At 50-59 years of age this risk increases to 1:37.
Family history of breast cancer. Having breast cancer in a mother, sister, or daughter (first degree relative) increases your risk of getting it. The risk increases even more if a relative's cancer is diagnosed before menopause and both breasts are involved. The presence of cancer in one of the close relatives increases the risk by about two times, and in two close relatives it increases the risk by about five times. Having a male blood relative who has been diagnosed with breast cancer also increases her risk of developing breast cancer.
Genetic factors. The risk is increased in carriers of altered forms of either of the two genes associated with the “familial form” of breast cancer - BRCA1 or BRCA2. A woman with an inherited mutation in any of these genes has a lifetime risk of developing breast cancer of up to 80%.
Neoplasms in the mammary gland. A history of biopsy-confirmed atypical hyperplasia (ductal or lobular) increases the risk of breast cancer by 4-5 times.
Slightly increased risk
Breast cancer in distant relatives. This includes cases of cancer in non-first-degree relatives (grandmothers, aunts, cousins).
Deviations in the results of previous biopsies. If the results of a biopsy have ever indicated the presence of any of the following disorders: complex fibroadenomas, non-atypical hyperplasia, sclerosing adenosis, solitary papilloma, then the risk increases slightly.
Age at birth of first child. Having your first birth after age 30 increases your risk of developing breast cancer.
Early onset of menstruation. The risk increases if your first menstruation occurs before age 12.
Late menopause. The risk of breast cancer is higher when you reach menopause after age 55.
Radioactive radiation. This primarily applies to women who received radiation treatment for postpartum mastitis, underwent long-term fluoroscopic examinations for tuberculosis, or were exposed to intense radiation before the age of 30 (most often during the treatment of tumors such as lymphoma).
Family history of other types of cancer. Having a family history of ovarian, cervical, uterine, or bowel cancer increases your risk of breast cancer.
Ethnicity. The risk is increased in women of Eastern or Central European (Ashkenazi) Jewish descent.
Alcohol. Alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. In women who drink alcohol once a day, the risk increases very little compared to those who do not drink alcohol at all; those who drinks alcohol 2 to 5 times a day, the risk increases approximately 1.5 times compared to those who do not drink alcohol. Alcohol consumption is also known to increase the risk of cancer. oral cavity, throat and esophagus.
Race. Caucasian women have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer compared to African American, Asian, American and Native American women.
Low risk group
Pregnancy before age 18.
Early onset of menopause.
Surgical removal of the ovaries before the age of 37 years.
Factors not associated with breast cancer risk
Fibrous changes in the mammary glands
Frequent pregnancies
Drinking coffee or caffeine
Using deodorants
Wearing an underwire bra
Abortions and miscarriages
Breast implants
The influence continues to be studied breastfeeding, smoking, high fat diets, sedentary lifestyle and pollution environment on the likelihood of developing breast cancer. Some studies indicate that women using tablets contraception, have a slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer, but this additional risk disappears after not taking these drugs for 10 years or more. Other studies do not find such a connection. Further studies are needed to confirm these data (a number of such studies are currently underway).
Is it true that most women with breast cancer have it in their family?
No. Women with a “family history” of breast cancer account for only 5-10% of total number sick. If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are at increased risk of getting it. However, three quarters of those women whose immediate family has had breast cancer do not get it.
Even if no one in your family has had breast cancer, you still have a risk of getting it, especially after you reach age 50.
As a rule, the cause of breast diseases in women is hormonal disorders in the body or chest injury. Hormones control all processes occurring in the reproductive system, directly related to work endocrine glands. Balance disorders can appear at any age, especially if a woman does not pay enough attention to treatment and prevention gynecological diseases, does not control the condition of the breast. This leads to late detection of dangerous diseases such as breast cancer.
Warning: Tight underwear interferes with normal blood circulation, which can lead to swelling and changes in the gland tissue. This increases the risk malignant disease glands.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Most of them can be helped if the tumor can be detected in the early stages of the disease. If at stages 1 and 2 the probability complete cure is 75-95%, then at the third stage it is 30-40%, and at stage 4 cancer is practically incurable. That's why preventive measures, allowing diagnosis as early as possible, sometimes save a woman’s life.
Primary measures to prevent breast cancer include: eliminating possible risk factors, regular breast self-examination, and maintaining protective forces body.
Means a timely visit to the doctor to detect and compulsory treatment diseases reproductive organs. In this case, a woman should pay attention to any violations menstrual cycle, the appearance of unusual discharge from the genitals, as well as pain in the lower abdomen and lower back. Inflammatory process can quickly spread to the ovaries, where female sex hormones are produced. Any deviations in the ratio of estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin (pituitary hormone) are dangerous because they cause breast cancer.
It is necessary to try to avoid other unfavorable factors: abortion, excess body weight, smoking and drinking alcohol, stress. Women who have 2-3 children, gave birth at a young age (before 30 years of age), and also breastfed a child for at least 6 months have a much higher chance of not getting breast cancer.
During menopause, special attention should be paid to the appearance of unusual vaginal discharge. There can be no menstruation at this time. Discharge is a sign of pathology, often cancer of the uterus or ovaries. During this period, hormone treatment should be avoided if possible.
The physical form of a woman is of great importance. Active sports help strengthen the chest muscles and normal blood supply. In addition, it helps maintain high immunity. Taking vitamin D helps increase the body's resistance to infections. It is known for its ability to improve the absorption of magnesium and calcium, as well as suppress the development of cancer cells.
Self-examination for prevention should be regularly carried out by every woman over 20 years of age. It is carried out 5 days after the start of menstruation. Women during menopause do it once a month, any day. When examined in the mirror, you can detect a change in the shape or volume of the glands, pay attention to the symmetry of the nipples, the appearance of the skin (the absence of wrinkled or reddened areas). A sign of pathology is enlarged lymph nodes under the arms.
It is necessary to palpate the chest. Right breast feel with your left hand, while your right hand should be raised up. In this way, compactions are detected, based on the nature of which assumptions are made about the type of pathology. Malignant lump usually shapeless, motionlessly connected to the skin. If there is any discharge from the breast (except milk during feeding), this should also be alarming, especially if it contains blood.
It is not recommended to abuse fried and smoked foods (a source of carcinogens). It is useful to eat foods that contain natural antioxidants and substances that destroy malignant cells. These include, for example, blueberries, apples, onions, cabbage, and broccoli. Recommended to drink green tea(up to 5 cups per day). The substances it contains destroy the protein from which such cells are formed. Fish and seafood are indispensable for replenishing vitamin D reserves.
The difficulty in detecting cancer is that early stages he usually doesn't show himself. Noticing lumps is especially difficult in large breasts. External changes, discharge from the nipples, swelling of the lymph nodes occur later, when the tumor reaches a significant size. Therefore, secondary prevention of breast cancer lies in its early diagnosis.
Using methods such as mammography, ductography (x-ray of milk ducts filled with a special substance), ultrasound, you can notice compactions and tissue proliferation.
Most benign diseases do not pose a risk of degeneration. However, after drug or surgical treatment, the patient must be examined by a mammologist at least 2 times a year. This is necessary to prevent recurrence of the disease, prevent the growth of tumors, and the appearance of malignant cells.
Some benign breast tumors with high probability degenerate into cancer. So, for example, leaf fibroadenoma often develops into sarcoma. Degeneration into cancer also occurs when glandular tissue cells grow inside the lobules and milk ducts.
During a preventive examination, the content of various hormones in the blood is determined. If deviations from the norm are observed, then timely adjustment of the hormonal composition is carried out. After detecting a lump of unknown origin or other suspicious symptoms, a blood test is performed for the presence of tumor markers (substances produced when cancer cells appear in the body).
It should be emphasized: After discovering any pathological changes in the mammary glands you should not waste time, self-medicate, resort to using folk remedies. The first thing you need to do is go to a mammologist to establish accurate diagnosis, strictly follow the instructions.
Any woman over 35 years of age should undergo a mammogram at least once every 2 years, and after 50 years of age this should be done annually. If available hereditary predisposition to this disease, it is recommended in for preventive purposes Be examined by an oncologist once a year.
