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Hostages of stress: women of these two professions are at risk for breast cancer
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. In 2023, approximately 84,000 women in Russia will be diagnosed with breast cancer. October 15 is World Breast Cancer Day. Is it true that the cause of this disease is in the genes and that only the female line of the family is considered here? Who is at risk and what are the important methods of prevention? Olesya Startseva, a plastic surgeon, professor of the Department of Oncology, Radiation Therapy and Reconstructive Surgery at Sechenov University, told Komsomolskaya Pravda about this.
In fact, the exact factors that cause the development of breast cancer are not fully known.
However, there is a well-known link between its development and genetics. Yes. There are certain genes that are directly linked to breast cancer. And this gene can be found in women of all ages.
What can help fight cancer?
! More than half of women who become ill are diagnosed with cancer at stages 1 and 2, which significantly increases their chances of achieving stable remission.
How do you know if you belong to a risk group?
- The main risk zone by age is women from 40 to 60 years old. This is the beginning of premenopause and menopause, but breast cancer is largely hormonally dependent.
- ! Women whose mothers, sisters or grandmothers suffered from breast cancer, as well as those who have malignant diseases in their family, including on the male line, should be especially careful.
- Disturbances at the level of the genetic system are one of the main causes of cancer. Today, at Sechenov University, we have the opportunity to conduct modern genetic studies that determine a wide range of mutations, thereby identifying a predisposition to certain types of cancer, including breast cancer," says Olesya Startseva.
"Breast cancer most often occurs in female doctors and teachers whose work is associated with stress and nervous tension," the doctor warns. - Yes. Many patients note that a specific stressful event occurred in their lives, after which their disease began.
- The most important factor in the prognosis of breast cancer treatment is early diagnosis. You need to be patient and not be afraid, ignore doubts and complaints and seek medical help in a timely manner, - says Olesya Startseva. - For example, about 300 patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer are treated annually at the surgical hospital of Sechenov University, as well as dozens of women who have sought breast reconstruction after previous treatment.
Women's psychological well-being, comfort and femininity are now also taken care of. At the Cluster Oncology Institute of Sechenov University, both tumor removal within healthy tissues and breast remodeling are performed whenever possible. Both the patient's own tissues and implants are used.
1. Smoking and alcohol consumption have a significant impact on the development of breast cancer.
2. Every woman should visit a mammologist once a year and undergo an ultrasound of the mammary glands! And after 40 years, do a mammogram once a year. Both studies complement each other and are therefore important for the early diagnosis of breast cancer.
- The key message for women: the earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the treatment. In the early stages, some types of breast cancer are almost treatable. And it is very important for every woman to take good care of herself, not to give up, not to ignore complaints and to undergo regular examinations, - says Olesya Startseva.
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