Specialists Highlight the Importance of Updating Breast Cancer Statistics
- May 15, 2024
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- Posted by: Andrés David Vargas Quesada
Medical experts and leaders in the fight against breast cancer gathered in October 2022 at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Costa Rica to address the urgency of updating statistics related to this disease. Despite breast cancer remaining the leading cause of cancer death among Costa Rican women, the lack of updated data poses a significant challenge to adequately addressing this pathology.
The pandemic has exacerbated this situation by making it difficult to gather accurate information through the National Cancer Registry. This lack of updated data hinders timely decision-making regarding prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. For example, the current mammography protocol focuses on women over 45 years old, despite significant cases being observed in younger women. The absence of updated statistics complicates justifying modifying this age range.
The event, held in conjunction with the International Day of Breast Cancer Awareness, brought together over 100 general practitioners, specialists, healthcare professionals, advanced medical students, and leaders from patient associations. Crucial topics such as prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and the importance of strengthening the network of specialized clinics for this disease were discussed during the event.
Dr. Cindy Vega Palavicini, Coordinator of the Women’s Office and representative of the Board of Directors of the College of Physicians and Surgeons at that time, emphasized the need to create spaces for knowledge exchange and to drive specific efforts to improve breast cancer prevention and care in the country.
The event also included discussions on recommendations to address the impact of late diagnosis, advances in treatment therapies, and the importance of mental health for healthcare professionals working in this area.
In summary, updating breast cancer statistics is essential for adopting effective strategies in the fight against this disease. Events like the one held at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Costa Rica are crucial for bringing together experts and leaders to advance the prevention and treatment of this disease that affects so many women in the country.
Despite efforts and awareness generated since the October 2022 meeting, unfortunately, progress in updating breast cancer statistics in Costa Rica has been limited. The urgency of not downplaying this issue remains evident, as each day without updated data represents an obstacle to early detection and effective treatment of this disease. It is crucial to allocate resources and implement concrete measures to improve data collection and advance breast cancer prevention and treatment in the country. The health and well-being of Costa Rican women depend on it.
The importance of updating medical recommendations regarding the age for breast cancer screening exams becomes increasingly evident. Medical specialists are emphasizing the need for women to begin screenings from the age of 40 instead of waiting until 45, due to alarming cases of breast cancer detected in women under 45.
Early detection is crucial in the fight against breast cancer, as it can significantly increase survival rates and improve treatment outcomes. By starting screenings at an earlier age, the likelihood of detecting any anomaly or early signs of the disease is increased, allowing for early diagnosis and more effective treatment.
Specialist doctors support this recommendation based on empirical data showing an increase in breast cancer incidence among younger women. This trend underscores the importance of adapting screening guidelines to reflect the changing reality of the disease.
Therefore, women are urged not to wait until age 45 to undergo breast cancer screening exams. Instead, it is strongly recommended to start from age 40, in consultation with their doctor, to ensure proper monitoring of breast health and increase the chances of detecting any issues at early stages when treatment is most effective.
