In times of pandemic coronavirus, many women missed their routine exams. And one of the most worrying diseases in this scenario is cancer, which is growing every day.
Early diagnosis is essential to identify the disease as early as possible, thus increasing the chances of recovery.
Among the cancers that most affect the female population is breast cancer, which is the most incident and the first cause of cancer death among women in Brazil, with more than 66,000 new cases per year and nearly 19,000 deaths. (Incas).
Symptoms of breast cancer include lumps in the breast, neck, and armpits, abnormal leakage of fluid from the nipple, and any other unusual changes in the breast or nipple.
“Mammography is the recommended test for the early diagnosis of breast cancer and reduces mortality by 20%. It should be done annually by women over 40. Women at high risk of breast cancer should consult their physician for the most appropriate course of action,” emphasizes Cancer Treatment Center (CTCAN) oncologist Dr. Alex Seidel.
Along with breast cancer, colorectal cancer (20,400 new cases), cervical cancer (16,700) and lung cancer (12,400) are on the list of the most frequent incidents among women.
Gynecological cancer: knowing the main ones
Gynecological cancer, which includes cancers of the ovary, cervix, endometrium, vagina and vulva, is responsible for the death of around 15,000 women a year in Brazil.
Among the main forms of prevention of these tumors are routine gynecological examinations, which must be carried out for life, from the start of sexual life or from the age of 18, including through the vaginal smear.
In addition, the main form of prevention is the vaccine against the human papillomavirus (HPV), available free of charge in the public network for girls aged 9 to 14 and boys aged 11 to 14. In the private network, the HPV vaccine can be recommended for adults up to 45 years of age.
“Countries that have adopted HPV vaccination have seen a steep decline in cancers caused by this virus. With vaccination, future generations will be freed from the main gynecological cancers”, underlines the oncologist also at CTCAN, Dr. Alvaro Machado, who is a member of the Professional Defense and Public Policy Committee of the Brazilian Society of Clinical Oncology ( SBOC).
Discover 8 tips for the prevention and early diagnosis of cancer in women:
1 – Do not smoke.
2 – Healthy lifestyle habits: more consumption of organic food and less processed food; regular physical exercises; maintaining an adequate weight; and reducing the consumption of alcoholic and artificially sweetened beverages.
3 – Use sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
4 – Always use a condom during sex.
5 – Vaccinate against Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
6 – Annual mammography, from the age of 40 and gynecological examination with preventive (Pap test), from the age of 18 or beginning of sexual activity.
7 – Fecal occult blood test from the age of 45, every year, or colonoscopy;
8 – Annual low intensity computed tomography of the thorax for women who have smoked a pack of cigarettes for at least 20 years or heavy smokers who have quit smoking for less than 15 years.
