Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer among women around the world and, in Brazil alone, there are up to 50 deaths per day. Statistics like these should alarm the entire female public, but unfortunately, according to the IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics), around 40% of women between the ages of 40 and 49 – one of the age groups targeted by the disease – claim never to have had a mammography.

There’s only one path

towards the cure

Age is indeed one of the risk factors for breast cancer, but it depends on a number of others (also risk factors) to be defined – we’ll talk about that in a moment. But first, let’s talk about the main method of detecting the disease: mammography.

It is a radiological examination using low-level radiation to generate detailed images of the internal structure of the breasts. As they need to be compressed, there may be some discomfort, but it is fairly quick. After all, the test lasts between 15 and 30 minutes and is usually only carried out once a year.

Types of mammography

Conventional

Conventional mammography is performed using an x-ray machine known as a mammography machine, designed to take individual images of the breasts. To do this, each breast is placed on an acrylic plate and compressed to spread the gland tissue and obtain the images.

Digital

Digital mammography replaces the X-ray plate with a microchip that records images of the breasts. Thus, the images can be viewed directly on a computer monitor or printed out, as with conventional images.

3D

Also known as breast tomosynthesis, there is 3D mammography. Through it, several X-ray images are taken and then reconstructed by the computer.

The oncologist defines the specific method according to each patient’s profile.
Schedule your appointment here!

Simptoms

An annual mammogram is the best way to trace or detect breast cancer at an early stage, when it doesn’t even show symptoms. Some signs, however, require attention:

1

Retractions (skin and nipple) that make the breast look like an orange peel

2

Watery or bloody discharge from the nipple

3

Redness of the breast skin

4

Small lumps in the armpit(s) and/or neck

5

Inversion of the nipple

6

Breast swelling

If you notice any of these symptoms, see an oncologist immediately.

Risk factors

Age: women over 50 have a higher risk of developing the disease

First menstrual period before the age of 12

Menopause after the age of 55

Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy

First pregnancy after the age of 30

Nulliparity (women who have never had children)

Overweight or obesity

Exposure to ionizing radiation on the chest

When to get a mammography?

No risk
factors

According to the Brazilian Society of Mastology, the Brazilian College of Radiology and the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations, the exam should be carried out annually from the age of 40. According to INCA (National Cancer Institute) and the Ministry of Health, this monitoring should begin every two years from the age of 50.

With risk
factors

According to the SBM, mammography is recommended from the age of 30 for women at high risk, i.e. with at least one first-degree relative (mother, sister or daughter) diagnosed with cancer before the age of 50, or diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer. According to INCA and the Ministry of Health, the test should be included from the age of 35.

Ideally, you should follow the recommendations of the doctor who is monitoring your case, as they know your risk factors and health history.
Schedule your mammography here!

Healthy habits

Unfortunately, cancer cannot be prevented. You can reduce the chances of this happening by adopting healthier habits. Follow a more balanced diet, avoiding ultra-processed options for example, and include regular physical activity in your routine.

There’s only one path

towards to health of the company

Prevention is not only better than cure.

It’s cheaper too! And the math is simple: a late diagnosis, in addition to the substantially higher risk to the patient’s health, also generates outrageous costs for operators.

On a large scale, and as these claims skyrocket, the costs begin to threaten the

financial balance of the company offering the health plan, and can reverberate as a loss even for those who were not ill, such as a downgrade (change to a lower level) of the benefit or even its cancellation.

Therefore, a health culture based on preventive care and allowing early diagnosis saves even the financial health of companies.

Extra content

Conversation with the doctor

Conversation with the doctorWe promoted an online chat with Dr. Amanda Faulhaber, Clinical Oncologist at Rede D’Or, to address everything involving breast and gynecological cancers. Check it out!

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Technical Manager:
Dr. Sérgio Hércules
CRM (Regional Medical Council)
61.605

Source:

  1. https://oglobo.globo.com/saude/medicina/noticia/2022/10/outubro-rosa-cancer-de-mama-provocou-50-mortes-por-dia-em-2021-no-brasil.ghtml
  2. https://www.sbmastologia.com.br/sociedades-medicas-brasileiras-recomendam-mamografia-anual-a-partir-dos-40-anos/
  3. https://www.gov.br/inca/pt-br/assuntos/gestor-e-profissional-de-saude/controle-do-cancer-de-mama/fatores-de-risco
  4. https://www.gov.br/saude/pt-br/assuntos/saude-brasil/prevencao-ao-cancer/cancer-de-mama-saiba-como-reconhecer-os-5-sinais-de-alerta