Martina Navratilova announces throat and breast cancer diagnoses – here are the signs to look out for

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova announced this week that she has been diagnosed with throat and breast cancer. “This double whammy is serious but still fixable,” the 66-year-old said in a statement. “I hope for a favorable result. It will smell for a while, but I will fight with all my might.” What was the first symptom you noticed? And what should you do if you experience a symptom? Continue reading.

1

This was the first sign that Navratilova had cancer

“I was diagnosed with stage 1 throat cancer,” Navratilova’s statement began. “The prognosis is good and I will start her treatment this month. The type of cancer is HPV and this particular type is responding very well to treatment. During the WTA Finals in Fort Worth, I noticed an enlarged lymph node in her neck. When I didn’t go under, a biopsy was done, the results came back as stage 1 throat cancer. At the same time that I was undergoing tests for her throat, a suspicious shape was found in her chest, which was later fully diagnosed as cancer nothing to do with throat cancer. Both cancers are in their early stages with great results. I will not be covering the Aussie Open for Tennis Channel from their studio but hope to zoom in from time to time.”

2

These are the signs of throat cancer

Laryngeal cancer, also known as pharyngeal cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the pharynx, which is the hollow tube that runs from the back of the mouth to the esophagus. There are different types of throat cancer, including cancers of the nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat), oropharynx (the middle part of the throat), and hypopharynx (the lower part of the throat).

Symptoms of throat cancer can include:

Persistent sore throat

pain when swallowing

hoarseness or changes in voice

swelling in the neck

Unexplained weight loss

Chronic cough or coughing up blood

Difficulty breathing or speaking

earache

A lump or mass in your throat

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other, less serious medical conditions. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to get the right diagnosis and treatment.

The story goes on

3

These are the signs of breast cancer

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cells of the breast. It is the second most common type of cancer in women after skin cancer. Early detection of breast cancer is important for successful treatment, so it is important for women to be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass in the breast. Lumps can be painless, but some can be painful. Other symptoms of breast cancer can include:

Swelling or thickening of the breast or armpit

Changes in the size or shape of the breast

Pitting or wrinkling of the skin on the breast

Inverted nipple

Redness, warmth, or tenderness of the breast

Nipple discharge (not breast milk)

Itchy, scaly, or inflamed skin on the breast

4

These are the risk factors

Risk factors for throat cancer include:

Smoking tobacco or using tobacco products

Heavy alcohol consumption

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection

A diet low in fruits and vegetables

A history of head and neck cancer

If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your risk of developing throat cancer and to follow recommended screening guidelines.

There are several risk factors for breast cancer, including:

Being a woman (breast cancer is much more common in women than in men)

Increasing age (risk of breast cancer increases with age)

Personal or family history of breast cancer

Inheritance of certain gene mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2)

Beginning of menstruation at an early age or menopause at a later age

Never had a child after the age of 35 or had a first child

A diet high in fat or alcohol

Radiation to the chest area (e.g. to treat another cancer)

Taking certain hormone therapies such as estrogen and progesterone

5

These are the treatment options

Treatment options for throat cancer can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches. The specific treatment plan depends on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s general health. It’s important to work with a team of cancer specialists to determine the best treatment plan for you.

As for breast cancer, it’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other, less serious conditions. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor to get the right diagnosis and treatment.

It is recommended that women over 50 have a mammogram every two years for early detection of breast cancer. Women at higher risk of breast cancer (eg, those with a family history of the disease) may need to start mammography at an earlier age and/or more frequently. If you have concerns about your breast health, be sure to talk to your doctor. Early detection is the key to successful breast cancer treatment.