The doctor named the main myths about breast cancer

Breast Cancer Research Day is being held worldwide on August 18. This type of cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among women precisely because there are several dangerous misconceptions around it that prevent timely detection, Irina Vasilyeva, head of the Mammology clinic at the European Medical Center (EMC), told Izvestia on August 18.

According to the expert, the most dangerous myth about breast cancer is the belief that if there are no symptoms or seals, then everything is fine.

"Breast cancer at an early stage may not have symptoms, and self-examination will not be informative, since the seals have not yet appeared. The tumor can develop over months or even years without causing pain, changes in breast shape, or specific secretions," the doctor said.

According to her, it is extremely important to be screened for breast cancer after the age of 40, even with complete subjective well-being. The most common screening method is digital mammography, which in some cases makes it possible to identify tumors even before the appearance of visible symptoms. However, relying solely on mammography is not always enough, it is also a common stereotype that can hinder a full-fledged diagnosis.

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"Mammography may be uninformative in a number of cases: when a woman has dense glandular tissue (found in young patients) and if a woman is at high risk of developing cancer, for example, with a hereditary factor and genetic mutations," the doctor noted.

In this case, an MRI scan of the mammary glands is recommended for screening. This method is able to detect formations from 4 mm in size with an accuracy of 99% and does not cause radiation exposure.

Another dangerous myth is that breast cancer affects only older women.

"Although screening is recommended for women over the age of 40, the risks at a younger age cannot be ignored. The tumor may develop earlier in women, especially if there is a family history or genetic mutations. Therefore, young women from the high—risk group need to visit a mammologist regularly and undergo their prescribed examinations," Vasilyeva summed up.

On August 8, Tatyana Dergacheva, Medical Director of Oncology at R-Pharm Group, gave lifestyle advice in an interview with Izvestia after completing chemotherapy. According to her, after chemotherapy, it is extremely important to pay attention to nutrition. Since the treatment disrupts the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, the diet should be balanced - with enough vegetables, fruits, low—fat protein and whole grains. It is also necessary to maintain the water balance.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.