Breast cancer: symptoms not to be ignored

BREAST CANCER: SYMPTOMS

The battle against breast cancer , which accounts for 29 percent of all cancers affecting women (one in eight women is affected), is all about time . That is, early diagnosis.

This is why it's crucial to be aware of the early symptoms, those signals that shouldn't be underestimated. Knowing that, especially in its early stages, breast cancer almost never causes pain, and when it does, it's often confused with a normal discomfort related to a woman's menstrual cycle , the signs are different.

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WHERE DOES IT HURTS IF YOU HAVE BREAST CANCER?

Lumps, cysts, tingling in the arm, minor pain: the signs of breast cancer aren't easy to spot. But they should be taken seriously.

Lumps . One or more visible or palpable lumps in the breast. Half of all breast cancer cases occur in the upper outer quadrant of the breast.

Nipple changes. Too much inward or too much outward, and in any case significantly beyond its normal position. The same applies to changes in breast shape or size. Observe for lumps and thickening of the breast and armpit area.

Fluid discharge. Especially if it occurs from only one nipple. If it occurs from both, the cause is most often hormonal.

Skin changes. In particular, changes in the skin 's appearance , such as orange peel, should be taken into account.

Changes in the nipple or areola. Look for indentations, retractions, swelling, redness, warmth, and cracking.

Cysts and fibroadenomas. As such, they don't represent an additional warning sign of possible breast cancer. However, breasts that show very dense tissue or even a benign form of cell growth called breast hyperplasia should be monitored closely.

Tingling in the arm. It causes a feeling of numbness and a loss of sensation, which should be carefully evaluated. Obviously, other possibilities should be ruled out first, such as the natural effect of excessive exertion.

What to do with these signs. Don't panic, and don't resort to do-it-yourself reactions. Once you've identified the unconvincing signs that even hint at the possibility of breast cancer, you should discuss them with your doctor. He or she will decide on the best course of action, starting with diagnostic tests. Mammography, breast ultrasound, or MRI.

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HOW TO PREVENT BREAST CANCER

Given the high percentage of women affected by breast cancer (now almost always curable), prevention is also essential . This can be achieved through a few decisive steps.

Lifestyle. Obesity and smoking certainly have negative effects and exponentially increase the risk for women.

Diet. Low sugar and high soy. Fish is good, minimize red meat. Make room for cruciferous vegetables ( turnips , arugula, cauliflower, radishes, cabbage), plenty of fruit of all kinds, and avoid overdoing eggs and dairy products.

Breastfeeding . It significantly strengthens the breasts and makes them more resistant to tumor-like attack. In practice, breastfeeding allows the cells to complete their maturation and therefore become more resistant to possible neoplastic transformations.

Visit and mammogram. A gynecologist visit for a breast exam should be done at least once a year. Mammograms should be done every two years between the ages of 50 and 69. Women who have had a mother or sister diagnosed with breast cancer should begin screening around age 40, and in any case, the current trend in medicine is to tailor the diagnostic process to each individual , case by case.

OBESITY AND BREAST CANCER

BREAST CANCER STAGES

• Stage 1. When the tumor measures less than 2 centimeters, has penetrated the walls of the ducts, but has not spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
• Stage 2. The tumor has grown, measuring between 2 and 5 centimeters. It may have reached the lymph nodes.
• Stage 3. The cancer has advanced locally, spreading to the lymph nodes, and into areas surrounding the main tumor.
• Stage 4. Metastases are present.

NATURAL REMEDIES TO KEEP US HEALTHY:

• Stomach ache: the most effective natural remedies. Avoid irritating foods and chew carefully.
• Cleanse your liver: tips and natural remedies for staying healthy. In the morning, drink water and lemon.
• Cold sores: causes, remedies, and prevention
• B vitamins: their health benefits. They provide energy and perform important functions.
• Vitamin A: health benefits. It supports the immune system and fights free radicals.