What can you do to reduce your risk of breast cancer? The list goes on and on

Breast cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm among Polish women. Every woman, especially the genetically burdened woman, should take care of appropriate prophylaxis. Dr. hab. n. med. Paweł Basta – specialist in gynecology oncology, working at the University Hospital in Krakow and at the Krakow SCM clinic.

1. Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed neoplasms in Poland
2. Per 100 In 2020, 42 Polish women died of breast cancer
3. In the case of breast cancer, prevention is particularly important, as well as early diagnosis
4. More current information can be found on the Onet homepage.

Breast cancer – how to avoid it?

The basic methods of primary breast cancer prevention include changing the lifestyle. Research results show a relationship between an increased risk of breast cancer and excessive consumption of fat, alcohol and overweight. The amount of body fat and alcohol consumption increase the level of estrogen, which contributes to the development of breast cancer. In turn, pregnancy and breastfeeding are believed to reduce this risk!

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There is also a type of pharmacological prophylaxis. Tamoxifen is believed to reduce the risk of breast cancer in carriers of the BRCA1 / 2 mutation, because the substance inhibits the action of estrogens on their receptors in the breast.

Early detection of breast cancer. How to do it?

Dr hab. n. med. Paweł Basta – specialist in gynecology oncology emphasizes that secondary prevention, which consists in early detection of the disease in the preclinical phase, is of decisive importance in the case of breast cancer. The implementation of appropriate treatment at this stage allows for complete recovery.

– In order to detect an early stage of cancer, frequent, regular and precise clinical and imaging examinations should be performed – says Assoc. Enough. – Every woman from the age of 20 should independently and regularly examine her breasts. It is best to perform the examination on the first day after the end of menstruation, and postmenopausal women should check their breasts once a month, on a specific day. It is also very important to perform specialized diagnostic tests, such as mammography and ultrasound. They cannot prevent the development of cancer, but can detect it very early. Women aged 40-35 should have a breast ultrasound scan at least every two years, and then once a year, unless otherwise advised by a doctor, and alternately with mammography after the age of XNUMX – explains the gynecologist.

Prophylactic mastectomy. Is this always the best solution?

Some women with a genetic burden may feel that it is better to undergo a Risk-Reducing Mastectomy than to worry and check themselves repeatedly. Since 2019, prophylactic mastectomy along with breast reconstruction is a service guaranteed by the National Health Fund for patients from high and very high risk groups of this type of cancer.

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The main indications for breast removal surgery, which reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, are identified high penetrant gene mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes). It is estimated that the risk of breast cancer in carriers of the BRCA1 gene mutation reaches 56-80%. Women with a genetic and family burden are most eligible for the procedure. The treatment can also be considered in the case of when mutations were excluded but only a significant family burden was found. Surgeries reimbursed by the National Health Fund are available to women who have had two cases of first and second degree relatives before the age of 50 or three cases of breast or ovarian cancer in the family at any age.

When such factors are present, prophylactic breast amputation may be considered. However, these are not absolute indications. Dr hab. n. med. Paweł Basta emphasizes that although this type of breast removal procedures significantly reduce the risk of cancer (even by 90-95%), they will never guarantee that the cancer will not develop for sure. The decision to undergo a prophylactic mastectomy is very difficult and should be made consciously by the woman and without any pressure.

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– Remember that the decision may be associated with a deterioration in the quality of life and the risk of complications after such serious operations. The doctor should present the risks involved in taking no action and what are the various prevention options, i.e. breast cancer prevention, explains SU and SCM clinic oncologist.

Therefore, it must be remembered that not every woman is burdened with the same burden and it is uncertain whether she will develop breast cancer. It is very important to consider whether it is worth changing the lifestyle significantly, eliminating habits and focusing on regular examinations, or, in return, at your own request, deprive yourself of healthy breasts.

Also read:

1. Poland: more and more malignant tumors
2. Is it cancer already? These symptoms should be food for thought
3. Breast cancer also affects men. It appears very rarely

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