According to the specialist, studies carried out over the last few years indicate a change in the breast cancer scenario, with an increase in diagnoses in younger women. In the doctor's assessment, the behavior and lifestyle of the female population have undergone important changes, with impacts on the risk factors associated with the disease.
"You don't just have that little old woman, that little voice with breast cancer. Today you see a lot of precocious women, between 26 and 30 years old. And this has increased in absolute numbers in a range of more or less 79% increase in younger women. That's scary", he explains.
"Breastfeeding brings protection to the breast and reduces the risk of cancer. As the scenario today is that women become pregnant later and later or choose not to have children, this protective factor ends up being left aside. Therefore, it is important to reinforce other precautions, such as maintaining a healthy weight, practicing physical activity and having a balanced diet", he explained.
Although genetic predisposition is often associated with breast cancer, the expert emphasizes that it only represents a portion of diagnoses, being between 5% and 10%, which reinforces the importance of also looking at other aspects that can be modified throughout life.
To reduce modifiable risk factors, the recommendation is to maintain a healthier routine, with regular physical activity, weight control and a balanced diet, in addition to reducing alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking. Tabata also draws attention to reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods.
"You have to teach it from a young age. The child has to be active, they cannot be obese, they have to maintain a healthy eating habit, avoiding fast food, sugar, soft drinks. There is an oncologist who says that we should only eat what God made, such as fruits, vegetables and greens and take away what was produced by human beings and this is not only to avoid breast cancer, but other health problems as well", he advises.
"We have to teach women that they have to have self-awareness of their body. Any spot on the skin, any retraction of the nipple, retraction of the skin itself, change in color or palpation itself, she noticed a different nodulation, she has to call it. It's a warning that she has to seek medical attention", he advises.
Tabata also explains that early diagnosis can occur in different ways, depending on the patient's age and clinical situation. Early lesions, such as microcalcifications, can be identified on imaging tests even before they are palpable. Changes noticed by the woman herself must be evaluated by a health professional.
Adequate monitoring is essential because, when breast cancer is identified at an early stage, the possibilities for treatment and cure are greater. According to the mastologist, in cases diagnosed early, the chances of cure can reach 95% to 100%.
The specialist also emphasizes that there is no single treatment for all patients. The strategy depends on the characteristics of the tumor, the woman's age, the extent of the disease and other factors assessed by the medical team.
For the mastologist, the main role of Pink October is precisely to remind women to pay attention to their own health. The campaign, according to her, works as a milestone to encourage consultations and exams that often end up being postponed during the year.
The specialist reinforces that care should not be limited to the breasts. Routine consultations and exams, gynecological monitoring and attention to physical and mental health are also part of this process.
"October is the time for women's self-care in general, not just for their breasts. I think they have to take care of themselves in general, in addition to their mind. Women have to take care of themselves too, take care of their image. They are often so caught up in taking care of their home, their husband, their child, their job, that they forget to take care of themselves", he highlighted.
Although it is much less common, breast cancer can also affect men. According to the mastologist, approximately 1% of cases occur in males. As men generally do not undergo specific breast monitoring, the diagnosis can only occur after a noticeable change appears.
"Man also has to take care of himself, he has to look at his own body and see what is different, what is usual and what has appeared", warns the specialist.
