The oncologist called the early signs of breast cancer

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women, but early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment: up to 98% of patients recover completely when diagnosed at the first stage. On December 8, oncologist and mammologist Elena Zhukova told Izvestia.

"Early signs and symptoms of breast cancer in women do not always appear immediately, and patients notice visual changes as the tumor grows. Nevertheless, self-diagnosis is important for regular health monitoring. It is best to do it on the 5th-12th day of the menstrual cycle. Mammary glands should not only be examined, but also checked by touch," the specialist explained.

The expert said that it is necessary to be wary of the appearance of a lump in the mammary gland, especially if it is not related to the cycle and remains inactive. A sudden asymmetry can be a dangerous signal, when one breast increases or decreases for no apparent reason. Another alarming sign is swelling of the skin, which creates an "orange peel" effect due to damage to the lymphatic vessels.

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According to the doctor, special attention should be paid to changes in the nipple and areola: retraction, shape change or the appearance of non-healing areas on the skin require specialist advice. The appearance of discharge is also suspicious, especially unilateral and with an admixture of blood. Enlarged axillary lymph nodes, dense and inactive, may indicate the spread of the tumor process before the lesion itself appears.

Even a feeling of bursting or tingling in the chest sometimes accompanies rare inflammatory forms of cancer, in which the gland becomes hot, reddens and hurts. However, Zhukova stressed that in the early stages of the disease, it often proceeds without symptoms, so every woman should undergo an annual medical examination — ultrasound and mammography, and a mammologist's examination should become regular.

"If you find yourself with one or more signs of cancer, this is not a reason to panic. Very often, other formations are confused with oncology: cysts, mastopathies, mastitis and papillomas. The first step is to contact a specialist for a more accurate diagnosis," concluded the specialist.

On October 31, Professor Alexander Seryakov, head of the SM Clinic cancer center, oncologist, hematologist, radiotherapist of the highest category, Doctor of Medical Sciences, attributed sausages, sausages and long-term milk to products that cause colorectal cancer. He also said that some eating habits, in particular the consumption of red meat, may affect the development of this disease.

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