The students of AS2-2nd, ST3-1st, AU3 A and B, 1st and 2nd, have had the opportunity to learn first hand that breast cancer is not exclusive to women. This was explained to them by the speakers invited to the Centre today: Norberto Bilbao, ACCM member from Muskiz and a breast cancer patient who has already overcome breast cancer, Mikel Reyes, computer scientist, nutritionist, expert in emotional care, and also a breast cancer survivor, and Dr. María Vivanco, biochemist and group leader researcher at CIC bioGUNE, whose research focuses on the characterisation of breast stem cells, the exploration of the involvement of cancer stem cells in resistance to therapy and the identification of these cells as possible targets for breast cancer treatments.
Norber and Mikel told the students about their experiences since the diagnosis of breast cancer and the importance of early detection to overcome it, ‘there are men who have taken 19 months to go to the doctor after detecting any symptoms in the breast’, which is why self-examination is essential. They also stressed the need to be aware of the symptoms, ‘those changes that occur in the breast and which can be indicators that something is wrong inside us: a lump or thickening of the breast, changes in the skin (dimpling, wrinkles, redness…), changes in the nipple (redness, peeling), discharge from the nipple or lumps in the armpit area’. Ignoring any of these symptoms, because you are a man and do not know that this type of cancer does not distinguish between the sexes, leads to a late diagnosis, the consequences of which can be fatal.
Emotions are also very important, especially when we already have the diagnosis in hand: ‘shock, astonishment, anger, disorientation, fear, anguish, stigma’, all of them experienced with great intensity, but which can become allies when it comes to facing this new situation that invades our lives. Identifying them and giving ourselves permission to talk about what is happening to us are decisive steps towards regaining control and making the right decisions. Thank you Mikel for discovering us the Association https://invicancer.org/
Dr Vivanco focused on the different types of cancer. Did you know that cancer was already diagnosed in ancient Egypt? There was no treatment, of course. On the functioning of cancer cells, risk factors (sex, age, hormones, obesity, genetics, alcohol, tobacco, environment), and current treatments. At their research centre, CIC bioGUNE, they pay special attention to the study of the molecular basis of the disease, to be used in the development of new diagnostic methods and advanced therapies.
We have been very fortunate to have had the presence, knowledge and experience of these three speakers at our centre. Thank you from the bottom of the heart.
Hezkidetza taldea
