Early detection of breast cancer: Don't neglect to check your armpits and neck

This is an automatically translated article.

1. Current status of breast cancer

Breast cancer is a dangerous disease with an increasing incidence. According to statistics in Vietnam, there are up to 42,000 women with breast cancer, the age of the disease is also younger than other countries, the age group is 30-34 years old and increases faster in the 55-59 age group.
Recently a 28-year-old woman with terminal breast cancer, the cancer cells have spread to the lungs, bones but still decided to keep the pregnancy, fortunately gave birth successfully and luckily the baby's health. There is also a good signal that causes many emotions for doctors during the caesarean section. Because breast cancer is detected late, the treatment is difficult and the prognosis is very poor.
Currently, with advanced treatment methods, if the patient is detected early, the chance of recovery is very high. In early stages (stages 1 and 2), the rate of complete cure is over 90%.

2. Early signs of breast cancer

Breast cancer can be detected early by breast self-examination, early signs of breast cancer include:
Change in breast shape and size: This sign you can observe at home, see the change breast size and shape, compare 2 sides. Especially in people with many mammary glands, the breasts often sag and change shape. Self-palpation of a mass in the breast: Examination by lying on the back and palpation and palpation of the breast may reveal a small mass. Nipple changes: The common location of breast lumps is to appear below the nipple, when there is a breast tumor, the nipple changes to become flattened, inverted, the skin in the nipple may become rough, scaly or inflamed. Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or neck: Nodules can be encountered in many cases such as flu, common bacterial infections. However, if the lymph nodes in the armpit and neck area are swollen and painful for more than a week without any known cause, do not be subjective, it may be a sign of breast cancer. Itching: Due to the tumor pressing on the blood vessels and lymph, causing the accumulation of substances under the skin causing itching. Red and Swollen Breasts: Often feels hot, or red, sometimes purple, and painful. Because the tumor puts pressure on the tissues, causing inflammation, causing swelling, heat, redness, and pain. Abnormally swollen lymph nodes with no known cause, this is a dangerous sign that should not be ignored. Because all the reactions of the body have a cause. Therefore, abnormally swollen lymph nodes can also be a warning sign of the risk of breast cancer.

3. Screening for breast cancer

Women who are at an age prone to breast cancer, have a high risk of developing the disease, such as having a family member with cancer, or are regularly exposed to risk factors for breast cancer should be screened for breast cancer. frequent.
Importance of regular breast cancer screening:
Breast cancer screening by mammogram can detect breast lumps even if they are very small. Early detection, the cure rate is from 95-100%. Early detection of treatment can use conservative methods, only removing the tumor and keeping the breast intact, ensuring aesthetics Low cost and time of treatment than. Breast cancer can be detected early by breast self-examination to detect early signs of breast cancer, one of the signs that should not be ignored is abnormal lymph nodes in the armpit and neck. Breast cancer screening should be done regularly to detect breast cancer early. Early detection brings high treatment efficiency, ensures aesthetics, reduces treatment costs and hospital stay.

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