Breast cancer in Mexico
Currently, cases of breast cancer are increasing exponentially, and our country has not been spared from its incidence. One of the main concerns of experts is that the majority of people diagnosed with this condition seek an oncologist when the tumor is already advanced, complicating the treatment.
In this article, we will present important data, prevention methods, and how to achieve timely detection of breast cancer.
What is breast cancer?
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), it is a disease characterized by uncontrolled and abnormal growth of breast cells, which can form tumors that invade surrounding tissues and, in advanced stages, can spread to other parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic system. The two most common types are infiltrating ductal carcinoma and infiltrating lobular carcinoma.
How does breast cancer affect mexico?
In the year 2020, in Mexico, breast cancer stood out as the most common disease, representing 15.3% of cases, and unfortunately, it also ranked as the leading cause of death in women. During that year, approximately 29,929 new diagnoses of breast cancer were reported, with a tragic result of 7,931 deaths, translating to an incidence rate of 40.5 per 100,000 inhabitants and a mortality rate of 10.6 per 100,000 inhabitants.
Within these data, the most affected population is women aged 50 to 59, but from 2012 to the present, an increase in incidents in women under 40 has been observed. This has been mainly associated with lifestyles that include several risk factors, such as consuming alcohol, tobacco, and carbohydrates.
Consequently, the IMSS implemented a strategy for prevention, reproductive health, disease control, and timely detection. By promoting early detection through monthly self-examination from the age of 20, clinical examination from the age of 25, and mammography every 2 years from the age of 40, the detection of cases has increased, and the mortality of these cases has reduced.
What are the risk factors?
As with most diseases, there are risk factors that are impossible to avoid, as well as several that are due to our habits and lifestyles that we can change. Below are some details.
Inevitable factors
Age and genetic predisposition are two circumstances we cannot avoid and that increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Likewise, if a woman has already developed cancer in one breast, she is at a higher risk of developing a new cancer in the other.
Avoidable risk factors
Lack of physical activity, as well as overweight and obesity after menopause, are things we can change to avoid risk factors. Taking hormones, becoming pregnant after the age of 30, having a pregnancy with lack of breastfeeding, never having a full-term pregnancy, consuming alcohol, and smoking are some other examples.
Now that you know the situation of breast cancer in Mexico, we recommend analyzing if you are within a risk population or if some of your habits constitute risk factors. Prevention and timely detection are two essential things to deal with breast cancer, so we also recommend self-examination and regular check-ups with your doctor.
How to prevent breast cancer?
- Maintain a balanced and fiber-rich diet, including foods like broccoli, chard, spinach, mushrooms, grapes, and papayas.
- Limit the intake of sugars and fats in the diet.
- Engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol consumption.
- Perform monthly breast self-examination from the age of 20, preferably on the fifth day of the menstrual cycle.
- Consider a mammogram from the age of 34 if there is a family history of the disease. Otherwise, it should be done every two years from the age of 40 and annually from the age of 50.
Remember that you can detect this condition early. Write to us on our social media to resolve your doubts or send us your suggestions.
References:
Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (2022). Epidemiología del cáncer de mama https://www.gob.mx/imss/articulos/epidemiologia-del-cancer-de-mama-318014
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). ¿Cuáles son los factores de Riesgo del Cáncer de Mama? https://www.cdc.gov/spanish/cancer/breast/basic_info/risk_factors.htm
Hernández, M. (2022, October 18). La principal causa de muerte de mexicanas mayores de 30 años. https://www.gaceta.unam.mx/la-principal-causa-de-muerte-de-mexicanas-mayores-de-30-anos/
IMSS. (2022). Epidemiología del Cáncer de Mama. https://www.gob.mx/imss/articulos/epidemiologia-del-cancer-de-mama-318014#:~:text=En%20M%C3%A9xico%2C%20en%202020%2C%20el,de%2010.6%20por%20100%20mil.
IMSS. (2023). Cáncer de Mama. http://www.imss.gob.mx/salud-en-linea/cancer-mama
