Breast cancer, one of the most common malignancies in women worldwide, is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it is not always accompanied by obvious early symptoms.
Why does breast cancer deserve our special attention?
1. High incidence: According to statistics, the number of new cases of breast cancer in the world every year ranks first among female cancers.
2. Relatively high cure rate: Compared with other malignant tumors, breast cancer has a relatively high cure rate if it can be detected and treated early.
3. Far-reaching impact: In addition to physical health, breast cancer can also have a profound impact on the patient's psychological, social and even family life.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that originates in the endothelial cells of breast tissue and multiplies to form tumors when they lose control of their normal proliferation. Although it is a common cancer in women, it can also be affected in men.
Why is this happening?
Although the exact cause is not fully understood, a number of factors are known to be involved in its development:
1. Genetic factors: BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations significantly increase the risk of breast cancer.
2. Age: The incidence of breast cancer increases with age.
3. Lifestyle: Unhealthy habits such as a high-fat diet, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise may increase the risk.
4. Reproductive history: Late childbearing, infertility, or non-breastfeeding can increase the risk of the disease.
5. Hormone exposure: Both early menarche and late menopause prolong the duration of female hormone exposure and increase the risk.
In addition, environmental factors such as the age of menstruation and amenorrhea, pregnancy and breastfeeding can also affect the occurrence of breast cancer. Benign diseases in the breast, such as adenomatous hyperplasia of the breast and intraductal papilloma, can also develop into breast cancer due to genetic and environmental factors.
Signals of breast cancer
Early detection of breast cancer is crucial and should be alarmed if the following symptoms occur:
1. A hard lump or lump is palpated in the breast.
2. Changes in breast shape and size.
3. Abnormal fluid secretion from the nipple, especially bloody discharge.
4. Tightening, dimpling of the nipple or areola.
5. Orange peel changes on the breast skin.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, please consult a medical professional for a check-up.
How breast cancer is prevented and screened
Prevention of breast cancer
There is no absolute way to prevent breast cancer, but there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of breast cancer:
- Maintain a healthy weight - Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer.
- Healthy Diet - A high-fiber, low-fat diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Exercise regularly – Increased physical activity can help reduce the risk of breast cancer.
- Limit alcohol - Reduce alcohol intake, it is recommended that women do not exceed one drink per day.
- Quit smoking - Smoking has been linked to a variety of cancers, including breast cancer.
- Limit hormone replacement therapy – If you're undergoing menopausal hormone therapy, it may be wise to discuss the risks and benefits and explore other options.
- Breastfeeding - Breastfeeding, if possible, is thought to slightly reduce the risk of breast cancer.
- Avoid exposure to radiation and environmental contamination – minimize exposure to hazardous substances.
Screening for breast cancer
Early screening of breast cancer is essential to improve cure rates and survival rates. The following are commonly used breast cancer screening methods:
- Self-exams - Have regular breast self-exams to see how your breasts look and feel normally so you can spot any new changes.
- Clinical Breast Exam - Have a breast exam done by a medical professional on a regular basis.
- Mammograms (mammograms) - For women in certain age groups, regular mammograms are recommended to look for abnormal changes in the breast tissue.
- Breast ultrasound - In some cases, such as when the density of the breast is high, ultrasound can be used as a supplemental test.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - MRI screening may be required for high-risk people, such as those with a family history of breast cancer or those with specific gene mutations.
- Genetic testing – For individuals with a familial history of breast cancer, genetic testing can determine the presence of breast cancer susceptibility genes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.
There is no universal standard for the frequency of screening for breast cancer and the age at which it starts, and a personalized screening plan is usually tailored based on individual risk factors (e.g., family history, genetic factors, etc.) and national medical guidelines. Mammography is generally recommended every 1-2 years starting around the age of 40, but this should be determined based on the guidance of a physician and an individual's risk assessment.
Treatment options
1. Surgical treatment: Conventional treatments for breast cancer, including breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy.
2. Radiotherapy: It is usually used in conjunction after surgery to destroy residual cancer cells.
3. Chemotherapy: Drugs that attack fast-growing cells to treat more extensive or recurring cancers.
4. Endocrine therapy: For hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients, it is treated by regulating hormone levels.
5. Targeted therapy: Targeting molecules specific to cancer cells, especially HER2-positive breast cancer.
Breast cancer patients also need to focus on psychological support. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be a heavy psychological burden for patients, so it is important to have the support and comfort of family members and medical staff, as well as the help of psychotherapy.
Misconceptions about breast cancer
1. Only women get breast cancer
Fact: While breast cancer is more common in women, men are also at risk of breast cancer.
2. If you don't have a history of breast cancer in your family, you won't get breast cancer
Fact: About 70%-80% of breast cancer patients do not have a clear family history.
3. Touching a breast lump means you have breast cancer
Fact: Lumps in the breast are mostly benign, but any newly discovered lumps should be medically evaluated.
4. Breast cancer is always accompanied by pain
Fact: Many breast cancer patients do not feel any pain in the early stages.
5. Women with small breasts have a lower risk of breast cancer
Fact: Breast size is not associated with the risk of breast cancer.
6. All breast cancer treatments are the same
Fact: Breast cancer treatment is individualized and depends on the type of cancer, stage, patient's age, health status, and other factors.
7. Wearing a bra or using antiperspirants can cause breast cancer
Fact: There is currently no scientific evidence that wearing a particular type of bra or using antiperspirants increases the risk of breast cancer.
8. Removing the entire breast is more effective than breast conservancy
Fact: For early-stage breast cancer, breast-conserving surgery usually has the same long-term survival rate as a whole mastectomy (mastectomy).
9. Breast cancer always forms a lump
Fact: While breast cancer often forms lumps, it can also manifest in other ways, such as skin changes or nipple discharge.
10. Breast cancer cannot be prevented
Fact: While breast cancer cannot be completely prevented, lifestyle changes and participation in proper screening procedures can help reduce the risk and detect it early.
Breast cancer, although a serious disease, is not invincible. Through scientific understanding, timely prevention and effective treatment, we can protect women's health and beauty.