Information about breast cancer
Did you feel a lump?
Don't panic! Chances are it is a harmless condition. In fact, 80% of breast lumps are benign. Of course, this does not mean that you should not see a doctor, because even to detect benign conditions, examination is necessary. "A benign breast lump is not a harbinger of breast cancer. The general practitioner or gynecologist will determine whether such a harmless growth should be removed or not," said Ivo Nagels (physician and medical advisor to the Foundation Against Cancer).
Benign conditions are:
- Cysts: fluid-filled cavities that can feel painful, which can disappear and come back depending on your cycle. If they bother you a lot, the fluid can be taken out with a puncture.
- Fat nodule or lipoma: a non-painful accumulation of fat cells.
- Fibro adenoma: a glandular tissue tumor that responds to hormonal fluctuations. Does not usually hurt.
- Mastitis (inflamed mammary gland): a hard, red and painful spot in the breast that often develops during the breastfeeding period and is treated with antibiotics. You often have a fever and feel flu-like.
- Mastopathy: the collective name for several benign conditions in the glandular tissue. Often your breasts feel painful, irregular and tense.
- Breast abscess: usually the result of a breast infection discovered too late. Treatment is with antibiotics.
Source: Vitaya
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Trans women also at greater risk of breast cancer
On average, women are 100 times more at risk of breast cancer than men. Trans women, born male, are also at higher risk of breast cancer after their transition because they have to administer female hormones to themselves for life. How high is that risk and is screening by mammography useful for them as well?
The look and feel of your breasts
Six out of 10 breast cancers are discovered by women themselves and not through screening mammography. We cannot be aware enough of this.
Laura: my first screening mammogram
Your first mammogram: an exciting moment for many women. Longing for reassuring results, they have their breasts screened for breast cancer. Curious about how one woman experiences this? Laura Cerrato is happy to share her findings. Don't forget to take the Mammoquiz at https://www.mammoquiz.be/ to test and increase your knowledge about breasts, breast cancer and preventive screening!
