Protect women's health and beware of the "pink killer" breast cancer! Remember the "four key points" for prevention!

Globally, breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in women, and its incidence is on the rise. Understanding breast cancer knowledge and taking preventive and screening measures are key steps in protecting women's health.

Myth: Bigger breasts mean a higher risk of breast cancer?

Experts from Yongzhou Fourth People's Hospital said: First, let's understand the structure of the breast. The breast is mainly composed of glands, ducts, adipose tissue and fibrous tissue, and most breast cancers occur in the mammary duct system.

What we usually call big breasts or small breasts, that is, the difference in breast volume is mainly determined by fat tissue. The more fat in the breasts, the larger the breasts of women, but fat tissue will not become cancerous. In short, there is no scientific basis for the claim that big breasts are more likely to cause breast cancer. Therefore, breast cancer is called "breast cancer" instead of "breast cancer".

NO.1: Causes of Breast Cancer

1. Hormone levels: Long-term effects of estrogen, progesterone, etc. can increase the risk of disease, such as early menarche, late menopause, infertility or late childbearing.

2. Genetic factors: About 5%-10% of breast cancer is related to genetics, such as carrying gene mutations such as BRCA1/2.

3. Lifestyle: Long-term high-fat, high-calorie diet, lack of exercise, obesity, heavy drinking and other bad habits will increase the risk of disease.

4. Other factors: Long-term use of estrogen-containing drugs, history of chest radiotherapy, etc. may also cause breast cancer.

NO.2: Breast cancer symptoms

1. Breast lumps: Most of them are painless lumps with hard texture and irregular edges. Some lumps can be moved.

2. Nipple discharge: Nipple discharge occurs during the non-breastfeeding period, such as bloody, serous or purulent fluid.

3. Changes in breast skin: "dimple sign", "orange peel-like" changes, or redness, swelling, and thickening of the skin may occur.

4. Abnormalities of the nipple and areola: nipple retraction, depression, itching and erosion of the areola skin, etc.

NO.3: Breast cancer diagnosis method

1. Breast mammography: It is a commonly used screening method that can detect early lesions such as tiny calcifications.

2. Breast ultrasound: It can identify whether the lump is cystic or solid, and is more valuable for young women and dense breasts.

3. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): It can show the range of lesions and multi-center lesions more clearly, and is used to evaluate the disease and preoperative staging.

4. Pathological examination: Pathological analysis through breast puncture biopsy or surgical excision biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis.

NO.4: Breast cancer prevention measures

1. Healthy diet: Eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and reduce the intake of high-fat and high-sugar foods.

2. Moderate exercise: Do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, jogging, etc.

3. Control your weight: Avoid obesity, especially for postmenopausal women.

4. Regular screening: Women over 40 years old should undergo breast mammography every year. Those with high-risk factors such as family history should undergo breast mammography earlier at the age of 30. Breast ultrasound and other examinations can also be combined.

Source: Department of General Surgery, Yongzhou Fourth People's Hospital

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(Edited by YT)