Today, October 19th, World Breast Cancer Day is celebrated. At Palm Mar Medical Center we are committed to your health, and we want to take advantage of this day to remember the importance of this disease.

Why is World Breast Cancer Day celebrated?

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer. So much so that, according to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), one in eight women will suffer from breast cancer throughout her life.

However, although breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in women, this disease has a survival rate of 90% or higher when detected early. Thus, early detection is essential to increase the chances of cure.

Importance of breast self-examination

Breast self-examination is essential to detect abnormalities or changes that may occur in the breasts. For this reason, specialists recommend women to perform breast self-examinations once a month, after finishing menstruation.

Among the changes that we must take into account and monitor when performing a breast self-examination are:

• Changes in the shape or size of the breast
• Detection of lumps or depressions in the breast or in the armpit area
• Discharge from the nipples
• Swollen, red, or scaly skin on the breast

Not all abnormal breast changes are caused by cancer. However, it is important to prevent and contact a specialist as soon as possible if you have found any of these alterations.

Breast Cancer Screening

In addition to performing self-examinations, it is important to go to a specialist to carry out checkups, since symptoms are not always appreciated when suffering from this disease. Breast cancer screening involves checking the breasts to find cancer in its early stages.

The most common breast cancer screening test is mammography, which is recommended for women aged 40 and older every year. It is an X-ray examination to reproduce images of the interior of the body and, in this way, be able to diagnose possible breast diseases.

At Palm Mar Medical Center we have specialists in gynecology and facilities equipped to perform breast examinations and other gynecological tests.

In short, from our medical center, we want to take advantage of this day to help raise awareness about Breast Cancer and the importance of early detection of this disease.