In order to detect breast cancer in a timely manner, women are recommended to conduct self-examination of the mammary glands once a month, as well as undergo ultrasound and mammography. Oncologist Khamis Magomedova told when mammography can harm health.
Mammography for the prevention of breast cancer is prescribed to women after 40 years of age or as indicated.
Up to 40 years of age, this procedure is, in principle, non-indicative, the doctor noted. Breast tissue is glandular and dense, so it is difficult to detect neoplasms using X-ray methods.
— The main diagnostic method is ultrasound from the 5th to the 12th day of the menstrual cycle. And a fairly new, but informative method is thermography, said Magomedova.
Research conducted at the University of Groningen found that patients at risk develop cancer 1.5 times more often after passing the screening. The procedure not only increases the risk of cancer, but also contributes to the spread of metastases, experts say.
— Mammography is a carcinogenic irradiation of breast tissue. Particularly hypersensitive tissue in the breasts of premenopausal patients. And the more procedures a woman does, the more often she puts herself in danger, explains Magomedova.
In addition, this is a rather painful method, and microtrauma may well become a trigger for the development of the oncological process, she added .
Another disadvantage of screening is frequent false-positive and false-negative results. Overdiagnosis during mammography is also not uncommon.
Prevention of breast cancer is necessary, but it must be done wisely, the oncologist emphasized.
Signs of breast cancer:
1. Formation of a tumor or thickening in the breast.
2. Changes in breast shape or size, including bulging, indrawing, or asymmetry.
3. Changing the appearance of the nipple or areola.
4. Discharge from the nipple.
5. Pain or discomfort in the chest.
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Important! Information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.