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Breast cancer: what every woman should know?

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
 
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10 October 2012, 10:42

The breast is one of the most vulnerable parts of the female body. It is susceptible to various diseases and tumors, including malignant ones. Every twentieth woman in the world suffers from breast cancer. However, according to researchers, science has advanced significantly over the past twenty years, and doctors have achieved certain successes in the early diagnosis of the dangerous disease, as well as the effectiveness of its treatment.

Nanoparticles in oncology

Nanoparticles are introduced into the milk ducts that exit into the nipple. In this way, their movement in the ducts can be controlled using a magnetic field. Some of these nanoparticles bind to cancer cells, and the rest are removed using a magnetic field. This method of diagnosing malignant tumors allows for early detection of the disease.

Self-examination

Self-examination of the breasts allows you to diagnose cancer at an earlier stage of development. This method should become a mandatory procedure for every woman. It is better to conduct the examination on the 7th day after the onset of menstruation. It is necessary to pay attention to the symmetry of the mammary glands, which should be maintained both with the arms raised up and with them lowered down. Redness, swelling, the presence of bulges and depressions, discharge from the nipples, as well as rashes indicate danger. After a visual examination, we move on to palpation - feeling, which occurs in the direction from the nipple to the periphery of the breast. Pay attention to changes in the shape of the nipple and the presence of discharge, as well as various types of seals and their location.

Tamoxifen

This is one of the most well-known and widely used drugs for the treatment of breast cancer. When it gets on the surface of tumor cells, it blocks receptors and prevents cancer cells from multiplying.

Radiotherapy

An effective method of treating breast cancer, which, however, increases the risk of developing heart and lung disease. However, researchers from New York University, led by Silvia Formenti, claim to have found a way to reduce this risk. According to their data, most patients are better off lying on their stomach during radiotherapy.

Scientists have concluded that in the prone position, all patients' lungs and hearts are exposed to less radiation.

Experts note that for more than 90% of all clinical trials, the number one problem is a lack of volunteers, which is why there is a significant delay in the study and development of new treatments.

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