happening breast cancer It varies between countries, especially between age groups. In the United States and the United Kingdom, only 4 to 5 percent of cases occur before the age of 40.
In Brazil, based on national studies such as the AMAZONA study, conducted in 2019, and the epidemiological work of the Cancer Institute of São Paulo State (Icesp), from 2023 of which I am part, these numbers vary from 12% to 17% of cases.
According to data from the National Cancer Institute (INCA), in the period from 2023 to 2025 there will be more than 73 thousand new cases of breast cancerAmong them are approximately 11,000 women who are considered young, and are not included in the screening recommendations.
These women tend to discover the tumor at an advanced stage. Research helps explain why.
In the survey conducted by Icesp, the average time between complaint and diagnosis is six months. As a result, the disease develops into much larger tumors and/or spreads to other organs.
It is often found among women who do not perform any work Screening exams.
+ Read also: How is breast cancer diagnosed early?
Currently, there is a major challenge, which is the lack of guidelines among the population regarding whether cancer can be diagnosed at any age. This leads to the negligence of both the woman who noticed the nodule in seeking help, and the health professional in making a more in-depth assessment of the patient’s complaint.
Given this, importance Pink October It should be particularly higher among young women. This period reinforces the importance of self-examination and recognizing changes, in addition to serving as a warning to health professionals who are not accustomed to seeing breast cancer as something that can occur outside the usual age range for screening, that is, before the age of forty. .
Tracking power
Since 1940, advances in medicine have allowed humans to increase life expectancy by 31 years on average, according to data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE).
Among the advances made, it is possible to highlight disease prevention measures, such as vaccines and lifestyle changes. However, unfortunately, there is no way to prevent all evil.
Based on the idea that not everything can be avoided 100% of the time, strategies have been created to achieve this Disease tracking, including mammography. By conducting an examination annually, it will be possible to identify changes even before any symptoms appear.
In Brazil, the Incas recommend starting mammograms at age 50. The Brazilian Society of Breast Medicine (SBM) recommends mammography starting at age 40. This indicator is based on global recommendations and characteristics of the Brazilian population. But is it enough?
*doctor. Karina Pelecas, MD, obstetrician-gynecologist and breast specialist at Hospital e Maternidad Santa Juana
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