breast cancer (mammary carcinoma)

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. The risk increases even further after the age of 50. Around 70.000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in Germany each year. This means that around 8% of all women develop breast cancer.

You are at higher risk of breast cancer if:

• benign lumps in the breast (mastopathy) were detected
• menstruation started early or menopause started late (longer hormonal influence, more cell divisions)
• you have ever had breast or ovarian cancer
• close relatives have breast cancer
• you are taking hormone preparations (for example during menopause)
• negative lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol, obesity and lack of exercise)

But you can protect yourself against it and prevention Prevention means:

• pay attention to warning signs
• carry out preventive examinations
• healthy Nutrition

Healthy diet reduces the risk of breast cancer

A healthy diet is also crucial. Seared meat and animal fats are considered particularly risky. But there are also foods that provide many vital nutrients and can protect you from breast cancer.

Omega fatty acids 3

They are mainly found in linseed oil, linseed, mackerel, salmon and herring, as well as in fish oil capsules

phytoestrogens
Phytoestrogens are secondary plant substances that include isoflavones and lignans. They are not estrogens but merely have a structural similarity to them. This similarity enables them to bind to estrogen receptors, which can result in an estrogenic or antiestrogenic effect. Isoflavones and lignans are particularly present in Soybean or whole grain rye.

Vitamin D

As we age, the body's own production of vitamin D decreases. Foods of animal origin contain vitamin D. Fatty fish, such as mackerel, salmon or herring, are particularly good sources of vitamin D. You can get a little less vitamin D from liver, offal or eggs. In order to ensure that you meet your needs, you can also use appropriate supplements.

Folic acid (BXNUMX)
The B vitamin can be found in green leafy vegetables, whole grain products and eggs, among other things. Most Germans do not consume enough of it. Here, too, a deficiency can be compensated for with appropriate supplements.

In addition to a good diet, regular exercise is just as important. The University of Calgary discovered in 2008 that this can reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 30%. Three to five hours of physical activity per week is a good contribution to this.

Take breast cancer warning signs seriously

In addition to a healthy diet and plenty of exercise, paying attention to possible early warning signs is part of personal prevention. Medical screening tests are also important, but self-monitoring is essential. At least half of all cancer cases are discovered by women themselves.

• sudden hardening of the breast
• Lumps in the armpit
• Redness of the skin in the chest area that does not subside
• Changes in a nipple (e.g. retraction of the skin, watery or bloody discharge)
• One breast is suddenly larger than the other, or they behave differently during movements (e.g. raising both arms)

Correct palpation technique allows tumors to be discovered in time

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should go to your gynecologist immediately. Health insurance companies pay for annual physical examinations. You can also do this examination yourself.

How to feel knots

• the examination is carried out lying on your back
• the palpation is carried out with the fingertips of the three middle fingers of both hands
• Start at the upper edge of the sternum between the breasts
• the palpation is carried out in a vertical line downwards to the breast fold and then in further vertical lines further out to the armpits
• In order to be able to palpate the tissue comprehensively and in all layers, you should circle the fingertips three times every 2 cm
• During the first circle, only very little pressure is applied, which is then increased with each subsequent circular movement
• Finally, the area around the collarbone and armpits is looked for swollen lymph nodes

Mammography

Women between the ages of 50 and 69 are also entitled to a mammogram every two years.

The following are reasons for a mammogram:

• Tumors are detected earlier
• According to studies, mammography reduces breast cancer-related mortality by up to 30%
• The examination is carried out in special centres. The practitioners there doctors have sufficient experience so that false Diagnosis are rare
• Statistically, only 1.000 out of 30 women receive a positive result

For women between 50 and 69 years of age, the statutory health insurance covers the costs. But even after the 70th birthday, the health insurance company pays if there are special risks. Otherwise, you have to pay for the examination yourself as an IGeL.