Breast cancer is a disease that affects thousands of women. In fact, according to data provided by the SEOM, it was the most diagnosed in the world in 2020, with 12.5% of cases. In Spain, it affected some 35,000 people in 2023. Don’t you think these figures are significant enough to know it in depth?

What is breast cancer?

This disease occurs when breast cells begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a malignant tumor. It is the most common cancer in women, although it can also affect men.

There are three fundamental risk factors:

• Advanced age.
• Family history of breast cancer.
• Certain inherited genetic changes.

What are its symptoms?

You should remain alert to these symptoms in one or both breasts:

• Lump or thickening.
• Changes in skin, shape or size.
• Pain -can also be in the nipple-.
• Nipple discharge.

You should have regular screenings to detect it in its early stages, when it is most treatable. Mammography is a common screening tool used to examine and identify signs of cancer.

What types are there?

The most common varieties are:

• Ductal carcinoma. It starts in the cells lining the milk ducts in the breast and spreads through the surrounding breast tissue.
• Lobular carcinoma. It begins in the milk-producing glands (lobules) and can spread to other parts of the body.

In addition, there are other types that you should be aware of. Their early identification is essential to apply a personalized treatment:

• Inflammatory. It is an aggressive and dangerous variant that represents between 1 and 5% of all cases. Its main difference is that it does not form a palpable lump or tumor. The cancerous cells obstruct the lymphatic vessels in the skin of the breast, causing redness, swelling and heat. Because of this, its symptoms are sometimes mistaken for a breast infection, which delays diagnosis. It is treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, but its aggressiveness makes treatment difficult.
• Triple negative. It is also aggressive and difficult to treat. It is so named because the cancer cells lack estrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors. Since these are usually the target receptors for many breast cancer treatments, hormonal and HER2-targeted procedures do not work. Oncology is turning to surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, while clinical trials with new and experimental therapies are underway. Despite their poor initial prognosis, many patients survive and lead full lives after treatment.
• Metastatic or invasive. Cancer cells spread through the wall of the breast duct and invade the surrounding tissues, including the lymph nodes. The earlier it is detected, the greater the chance of successful treatment. It can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies and hormone therapy, although each case is unique and requires an individualized approach.

The importance of prevention and early detection

Preventing and detecting these cancers as early as possible multiplies the chances of cure and survival. Preventive factors include:

• Adopt healthy habits. Eat a balanced diet, practice regular physical activity, avoid excessive alcohol consumption and do not smoke.
• Undergo regular breast examinations to detect early any abnormalities in the breast tissue. We refer to mammography, clinical breast examination and self-examination. Detecting any changes in breast tissue before they become malignant tumors is the goal.

If you are a woman or a man with risk factors, you should be aware of and apply these preventive actions.

The role of Olimina3 in cancer pain prevention and relief

Olimine is a natural substance found in olives and olive oil. Having been studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it is considered a potential ally in the prevention and relief of breast cancer pain.

At Phytogen Medical Foods, aware of this reality, we have developed Olimina3. As specialists in the development of food supplements, we have created this product aimed at mitigating joint pain and discomfort following breast cancer treatment. It incorporates aromatase inhibitors and is able to reduce the amounts of estrogen, which can contribute to inhibit the reproduction of cancer.

Olimina3 has a clinical study that supports its efficacy. It is a patented product that has been created only with natural and safe products. In addition to its exclusive formula, it is complemented with hydrolyzed collagen type II, vitamin D and manganese.

At this point, we would like to conclude by insisting on the importance of prevention and early detection of breast cancer. Although oncology has advanced a lot, detecting the symptoms of this disease as soon as possible is crucial. So take care of yourself and get explored often.