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(CNN Spanish) -
Breast cancer is one of the cancers that causes the most deaths each year.
In 2020, the deadliest was lung disease, with 1.8 million deaths;
meanwhile, breast cancer ranked fifth with 685,000 registered deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
And although it is not the most deadly of all, breast cancer is positioned as the one with the highest incidence.
The WHO points out that in 2020 there were 2.26 million cases of this type of cancer, while lung cancer was second with 2.21 million cases.
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This only emphasizes the need to be well informed about this disease, from its highest risk factors to the ways that can help reduce risks.
In the framework of the International Day of the Fight against Breast Cancer (October 19) and in the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we present information that may be useful.
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Reduces the risk of breast cancer
Although risk factors such as genetics and age cannot be avoided, you can take steps to reduce your risk of breast cancer, primarily by staying healthy.
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On the subject of being healthy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has several recommendations on how to do it.
The CDC recommends maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly (150 minutes (or 2.5 hours) per week), and discussing the risks of using oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy with your doctor.
Breastfeeding your children, if you have them, also helps.
When it comes to maintaining a healthy weight, following a Mediterranean-style diet has been associated with a lower risk of breast cancer.
They advise drinking little or no alcohol, according to sources that indicate that the risk of breast cancer increases with alcohol consumption.
You should also avoid smoking.
Various investigations show the relationship between smoking and increased risk of breast cancer, especially in premenopausal women.
Factors such as older age, dense breasts, genetic mutations, previous treatment with radiation therapy and a family history of breast cancer can increase the risk of developing it, according to the CDC.
Know the symptoms
Many women are advised to look for new lumps or masses in the breast tissue, but it is important to be on the lookout for other abnormalities.
According to the CDC, some warning signs of breast cancer are:
A new lump in the breast or armpit (under the arm)
Increased thickness or swelling of part of the breast
Irritation or sagging of the skin of the breast
Redness or peeling in the nipple or breast area
Sagging of the nipple or pain in that area
Nipple discharge other than milk, including blood
Any change in the size or shape of the breast
Pain in any part of the breast
However, these signs are not a sure indication of breast cancer, so be sure to see a doctor to discuss any of these changes.
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Get regular check-ups
Some women are diagnosed with breast cancer after noticing symptoms, but many women with the disease do not have any symptoms.
This is why regular mammograms are vital.
The recommended age to start mammograms is between 40 and 50, depending on who you ask.
Although the suggested age varies, the National Cancer Institute has found that women ages 50 to 69 who undergo screening mammograms have a lower chance of dying from breast cancer.
With information from Elizabeth Wolfe and Brian Ries *
Breast cancer
