According to the expert, breast cancer, for many decades, not only in Kazakhstan, but throughout the world, has been ranked first in terms of incidence.
“Every year in Kazakhstan, five thousand new cases of breast cancer are registered, that is, every seventh woman in our country suffers from this disease. We can minimize risk factors and prevent the development of this cancer. But you need to follow a few simple rules and they are available to everyone,” said Aliya Abdrakhmanova.
Here are the oncologist’s key recommendations:
1. Do not neglect the monthly self-examination. Every year it is necessary to undergo a preventive examination. The mammary gland is absolutely accessible for visual inspection.
2. Perform screening tests. In Kazakhstan, screening for breast cancer is available for women from 40 to 70 years old. Free screening can be done at your clinic at the place of attachment.
3. Avoid stress. And this applies not only to the development of breast cancer, but also to the whole organism as a whole.
4. Adhere to a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and the rejection of bad habits.
5. Protect the mammary gland from injury, including mechanical.
6. Wear properly fitting underwear. The bra should not compress and squeeze the chest, underwear should be comfortable.
7. Excessive solar insolation, excessive sunburn and burns can be harmful to the breast.
8. Use contraceptives with caution. Use contraceptives only in consultation with a gynecologist, since any contraceptive has both indications and contraindications.
9. Late delivery. Unfortunately, now breast cancer and pregnancy have become very common, although earlier it was nonsense. There should be planning for childbirth and pregnancy.
10. Don’t give up on breastfeeding your baby. Experts recommend breastfeeding a baby for at least six months, unless there are other contraindications.
11. Exclude chronic diseases of the female reproductive system, conduct timely diagnosis and treatment.
12. Overweight. Being overweight is also one of the risks of developing breast cancer. Correction of the body mass index must be observed.
Thus, at least once a year, women are advised to visit a gynecologist and mammologist.
What changes in the mammary glands should be paid attention to?
• Changing the size and shape of the breast;
• Retraction of the nipple, its deviation to the side;
• Erosion, sputum or crust on the nipple;
• Discharge from the nipple;
• Change in the appearance of the nipple;
• Swelling, thickening, or swelling in the breast, surrounding tissues, or in the armpit;
• Persistent pain in one part of the breast, around the breast, or in the armpit.