Breast cancer: Don't be afraid of prevention

Each year more than 1.3 million women worldwide are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 465,000 women worldwide lose their lives to the disease. Every 2.5 hours a new diagnosis is made, and every 6 working hours a woman dies from breast cancer.

In Greece, according to official data, breast cancer is the first in incidence and second as a cause of death after lung cancer. In fact, in 2012, 5,000 new cases of breast cancer were recorded in Greece (28% of all cancers in women).

The statistics may be disappointing, but prevention can literally save us. Prevention concerns us all without exception, as it is the most modern and effective way currently available to deal with the major diseases of our time. Few, however, are those who give it the importance it deserves. We think: "As if it would happen to me. I'm fine." But diseases do not discriminate. You never know what's going to happen.

In the case of breast cancer, prevention consists mainly of annual mammography after the age of 40. Nevertheless, breast self-examination is a simple practice that can enhance the early diagnosis of the disease.

Self-breastfeeding should be done every month in the same phase of the cycle, as the structure of the breast changes according to hormonal fluctuations. The best time is immediately after the period, when the breast is less swollen and sensitive, as opposed to the days of ovulation and menstruation. Women who are not menstruating can choose one week each month for the test, such as the first or last week.

Self-breastfeeding aims to familiarize the woman with her breasts and make her aware of her body.In this way she will be the first to detect a change, if one has indeed occurred.In cases where she has the slightest doubt she should discuss it with her doctor who will guide her and reassure her when there is no serious reason.

If proper practices are followed and there is good information from the media and the medical community, self-treatment is a first effective preventive tool and just a few minutes every month can save a woman's life one day.