October is breast cancer prevention month. “Pink October” or “Pinktober” is a movement that began in the United States in the 1990s to mobilize society in the fight against breast cancer.
Since then, all over the world, the color pink has been used to honor people with breast cancer, raise awareness of prevention and early diagnosis, and support research and investment in this area.
SEPRI has prepared an interview with Dr. André Magalhães, a breast cancer surgeon, to talk about prevention and treatment possibilities. Click here to watch the video.
Breast cancer: why should we be vigilant?
In Portugal, there are currently 6,000 new cases of breast cancer every year, which means that 11 new cases a day, with 4 women dying of the disease every day.
Around 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer by the end of their lives (12%). In Portugal, around 1% of all breast cancers are in men.
Much of the information presented on breast cancer also applies to men.
The importance of tracking
Testing for cancer in people who have no symptoms is called screening. Screening can be essential for finding and treating some types of tumors early.
– From the age of 40, it is recommended to have a mammogram and ultrasound every year. Women who have an increased risk of developing breast cancer should talk to their doctor about how often they should have a mammogram.
– A physical examination of the breast can be carried out by a doctor, annually.
– Breast self-examination can be done, as the name suggests, by the person themselves, on a monthly basis.
Mammography and ultrasound are different but complementary tests.
Free NHS screening
Free screening is possible within the National Health System.
– You should visit every 2 years.
– Strongly recommended for women of screening age(50-69 years) who are registered with the Health Units This radiological examination is studied by two radiologists who, if in doubt, will refer the patient to a clinical consultation.
If there are any doubts, the patient is referred to a hospital where a final diagnosis will be made and, if the suspicion is confirmed, they will be treated (quickly).
