Pink October

October is known as the pink month with the objective of raising awareness of prevention in society, as it has been proven that timely detection is key to saving lives.

Screening is the process by which an asymptomatic patient intentionally undergoes a check-up to look for the earliest signs of this pathology.

Every woman should consciously perform a self-examination or self-check once a month to detect any palpable abnormality.

Additionally, there are specialized studies, whose general characteristics are described below.

Mamography

It is the imaging study indicated by official standard once a year (maximum 2 years) for all women over 40, although there are some particular cases in which it can be indicated at earlier ages, such as a family history of breast cancer in first-degree relatives or some other types of cancer.

Mammography detects the earliest signs that a patient would not even detect during self-examination, such as suspicious microcalcifications. Through a diagnosis by a radiologist, the correct recommendation to follow can be made, which can be surveillance and follow-up or, in some cases of suspicion, a biopsy.

It is important to note that despite being an uncomfortable and sometimes painful study, this should always be tolerable for the patient, and the reason for the compression is essential so that the radiation is completely localized and controlled.

Timely detection identifies the smallest tumors and the treatment and prognosis are much more favorable for the patient.

Ultrasound

It is an important study that serves as both a complement and a diagnostic tool. It helps the radiologist characterize lesions observed in mammography; for example, if a nodule (or lump) is seen, the radiologist can determine if it is a cyst or a solid nodule, and in this way dictate a prudent and appropriate course of action for their patient.

It is also an important tool for women under 40, as well as for women with dense fibroglandular tissue where a lesion could be masked.

This October, let's join forces and not overlook the importance of prevention through recommended check-ups according to our age range and specific needs. It has been shown that women who undergo annual check-ups have the opportunity to detect any anomaly in its early stages and have shown an increase in survival, allowing the oncologist and surgical oncologist to perform much less invasive procedures with a much better prognosis, if necessary.

Consult your doctor, and approach a health professional if you have any questions. At WeCare Pharma, we offer these services, so do not hesitate to contact us.