Breast cancer is not longer a disease that attacks only women over 60 years old. It has become a big problem for young women.
According to the Tumor Registry of the Ministry of Health, 59% of cases of breast cancer detected in Costa Rica are in women aged 30 to 59 years old.
Mejdi Yodeiri, senologist from Siglo XXI Radiotherapy Center, admitted that cancer is becoming a more prevalent problem in the young population.
The ideal scenario is to diagnose cases in early stages, because at that point, healing possibilities are higher, plus there will not be any physical sequel, hence it is important that patients over 35 years old have a specialized examination (mammogram and an ultrasound) conducted every year because if an injury eventually appears, it can be detected on time. In that case, patients have up to 95% chances to survive,
explained Yodeiri.
In the case of high-risk patients, such as people with diabetes, obesity, smoking problems or family histories, it is even more important to follow the same procedure when they are 35 years old.
Due to this situation, in Costa Rica, just like worldwide, the risk of suffering or dying from breast cancer increases in direct proportion with age.
July Arguello, radiation oncologist from the medical center, declared that radiation therapy is an complement to the treatment of breast cancer when conservative surgery is conducted: it is applied when the diseased tissue is removed and the rest of the breast is preserved without resorting to mastectomy.
The specialist added that it is important to note that radiation therapy prevents recurrence of cancer, maintains quality of life and excellent cosmetic results for the patient. In addition, due to this modern technology, radiation toxic side effects on healthy organs is minimized.
Another aspect that women must take into account in order to prevent breast cancer are eating habits: doctors suggest to have a very low-fat diet and plenty of exercise. In addition, women must be alert to deformities, swelling or dimpling of the breast, as well as the appearance of wounds, erosions or thickening of the skin of the breast or nipple, detect lumps in the breast or underarm, or some spontaneous nipple secretion.