The Pink October campaign is a month dedicated to raising awareness about cancer for all women, especially breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute (INCA), breast cancer is the type that most affects women, and it is a disease that appears in all regions of the planet, regardless of age, social class or race.
UpMedito Magna interviewed Altonia resident Cristina da Silva Alves, 46, who discovered breast cancer in 2019 after suffering an accidental elbow injury from one of her children. After the incident, a lump appeared in her breast and she requested medical assistance, which included a biopsy, which resulted in a diagnosis of the disease.
Magna stated that she underwent red chemotherapy sessions, but had to stop them due to glaucoma. He subsequently underwent a mastectomy and underwent 12 more sessions of white-label chemotherapy and 25 sessions of radiotherapy, among other treatments. In January of this year, he was diagnosed with bone and lung cancer, after having so far undergone 6 chemotherapy sessions, in addition to immunotherapy.
“In 2019, I dedicated myself very much to this fight, mainly because of my youngest daughter, who was 9 years old at the time. She was my safe haven, because she needed me,” Magna says.
With this year’s diagnosis, Magna faced one of the toughest and scariest moments of her journey. “In addition to discovering the recurrence, my mother had a mammogram and discovered breast cancer and had to have her breast removed and my brother died of dengue fever,” she says.
Although doctors expected severe bone pain, Magna did not feel it and the nodules in her lung and bones remained stable. She expresses her gratitude: “I feel good, thank God.”
Although someone who knows Magna’s story might imagine that she faces great challenges, the Altonian native maintains an amazing sense of humor and compassion. She highlights: “Fear appears in moments, but it disappears in the same way. In the beginning, it was very difficult for me and my family, but I shared my optimism with them, and made them see the situation in a comfortable way, as if I were passing by.” “The stage we will overcome.”
Magna stresses the importance of maintaining a good mood, even after a complete mastectomy. She supports women who choose reconstruction, as well as those who, like her, accept their current situation.
It is important to highlight that if any anomaly occurs, it is necessary to seek professional help, just as Magna did. Mammography plays a major role in early detection of breast cancer. According to the Brazilian Society of Mammology, annual mammograms are recommended for all women over the age of 40.
For those at higher risk of developing hereditary breast cancer, mammography may be indicated before age 40. Regular medical follow-up is necessary for all women, regardless of age.
Magna states that she has received support from her family, and medical support from Uopeccan, and highlights the importance of compassion for others, offering help whenever possible, and leaves a message for women, “Take care of yourself, do self-examination, always do preventive care, the earlier you find out, the more The opportunity to heal and stay alert, our body warns you when something is wrong. But above all, do not lose your sense of humor, love yourself and have compassion for people, as this helps in the process. To have a good mind is to be good.”
protection
Signs and symptoms can be detected in the early stages, in most cases, by the following indicators, as highlighted by INCA: The nodule (mass), which is firm and generally painless, appears as the main manifestation of the disease, and is present in about 90% of cases when the patient recognizes it. by herself; The breast skin may appear red, shriveled, or have an orange peel-like texture. Changes in the nipple (nipple), such as retractions. Small nodules in the armpits or neck. The spontaneous release of abnormal fluid through the nipples. It is important for women to be aware of these signs and symptoms, and to do self-examination, especially to learn about their bodies.
However, it is important to stress that self-examination does not replace medical evaluation. If any anomaly exists, it is crucial to seek a healthcare professional. Mammography plays a major role in the search for early diagnosis of breast cancer. According to the Brazilian Society of Mammology, mammograms are recommended for all women over the age of 40, on an annual basis.
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