2024-02-17 05:00:33
Although the development of cancer is associated with aging, the disease is not exclusive to older people.
Hairdresser Ludmilla Matias, from Maceió, Alagoas, discovered a tumor in her right breast at the age of 25 and had to take time off work to treat it.
For her, it was a shock to have cancer at a very young age, especially since she did not meet any of the risk factors associated with cancer. Ludmilla had no family history of the disease, she did not smoke or drink, and had breastfed her daughter for almost two years.
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“When I was diagnosed, I was at work and saw the word ‘invasive carcinoma’. I have never felt so scared, as I have always associated cancer with death”, says Ludmilla.
She says she noticed a lump in her breast for the first time in February 2022, but the ultrasound exam didn’t detect anything and the lump disappeared. In August of that same year, however, she felt the discomfort on her right side once more and the imaging test, this time, showed the presence of the tumor in the region.
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Breast cancer is a disease characterized by the disordered multiplication of breast cells causing a tumor. Although it mainly affects women, the disease can also be diagnosed in men Sakan Piriyapongsak / EyeEm/ Getty Images
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According to the National Cancer Institute (Inca), there are several types of breast cancer. Some develop quickly, while others grow slowly. Most cases, when treated early, have a good prognosis Science Photo Library – ROGER HARRIS/ Getty Images
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There is no specific cause for the disease. However, environmental, genetic, hormonal and behavioral factors can increase the risk of developing the disease. Furthermore, the risk increases with age, being common in people over 50 Jupiterimages/ Getty Images
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Although there are real chances of a cure if diagnosed early, breast cancer is challenging. It often takes away strength, hair, breasts, self-esteem and, in some cases, life. According to Inca, the disease is responsible for the highest number of cancer deaths in the Brazilian female population wera Rodsawang/ Getty Images
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The main signs of the disease are the appearance of hardened and generally painless lumps or nodules. In addition to these, changes in the characteristics of the skin or nipples, spontaneous discharge of liquid from one of the nipples, nodules in the neck or armpit region and red or orange peel-like breast skin are other symptoms Boy_Anupong/ Getty Images
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The famous self-examination is extremely important in early identification of the disease. However, to do it correctly it is important to carry out the assessment at three different times: in front of the mirror, standing up and lying down Annette Bunch/ Getty Images
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Do the self-examination. In front of the mirror, take off all your clothes and look at your breasts with your arms hanging down. Then raise your arms and check your breasts. Finally, place your hands on the pelvis, applying pressure to observe if there is any change in the surface of the breasts.
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Foot palpation should be done during the bath with the body wet and hands soapy. To do this, raise your left arm, placing your hand behind your head. Then carefully palpate the left breast with your right hand. Repeat the steps on the right breast Metropolis
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Palpation should be done with the fingers together and stretched out, in circular movements across the entire breast and from top to bottom. After palpation, you should also press the nipples gently to see if any liquid is coming out Saran Sinsaward / EyeEm/ Getty Images
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Finally, lying down, place your left hand on the back of your head. Then, with your right hand, feel the left breast, checking the entire region. These steps must be repeated on the right breast to complete the assessment of both breasts FG Trade/ Getty Images
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Women over the age of 20 who have cases of cancer in the family or over 40 years of age without cases of cancer in the family should perform breast self-examination to prevent and diagnose the disease early AlexanderFord/ Getty Images
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Self-examination can also be done by men, who despite its atypicality, can suffer from this type of cancer, presenting similar symptoms SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/ Getty Images
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According to experts, if the disease is suspected, it is important to see a doctor to begin official exams, such as mammography and laboratory tests, capable of indicating the presence of the disease andresr/ Getty Images
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It is important to know that the presence of small nodules in the breast does not necessarily indicate that cancer is developing. However, if this nodule increases over time or causes other symptoms, it may indicate malignancy and should therefore be investigated by a doctor Westend61/ Getty Images
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Breast cancer treatment will depend on the extent of the disease and the characteristics of the tumor. However, it can include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and biological therapy Peter Dazeley/ Getty Images
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The results, however, are better when the disease is diagnosed early. If it has spread to other organs (metastases), treatment will seek to prolong survival and improve the patient’s quality of life Burak Karademir/ Getty Images
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“At that point the nodule was already quite large and the mastologist stated that the shape of my nipple was different, as if it were inverted. Soon, she sent me the tests to perform a complete mastectomy of the breast and prevent the tumor from evolving. It was difficult to accept that I would need to remove my entire breast, losing part of my body really affected me”, says the hairdresser.
Cancer in young women
According to oncologist Ricardo Caponero, scientific director of the Brazilian Federation of Philanthropic Institutions to Support Breast Health (Femama), it is difficult to pinpoint the cause of any cancer, but in young people like Ludmilla it can be associated with factors such as:
Genetic mutations; Sedentary lifestyle; Smoking; Excessive alcohol consumption; Inadequate eating habits.
“About 7% of women diagnosed with breast cancer are 40 years old or younger, which represents approximately 5,040 cases annually. The number highlights the importance of women recognizing the warning signs of the disease, such as nodules, hardness, nipple retraction, nipple discharge or the presence of lymph nodes in the axillary region”, says Caponero.
Nothing is done alone
After surgery, Ludmilla underwent chemotherapy and completed treatment in August 2023. She is now awaiting authorization to undergo physiotherapy and then resume her activities. She makes a point of telling her story to raise awareness regarding breast cancer among other women.
“From the diagnosis to the last day of chemo, nothing was easy, but I had help. I know that nothing can be done alone, I had support from my family. I would really like women to take care of themselves, as well as easier access to exams”, says the hairdresser.
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