What you need to know about breast cancer

Author: Jiang Weihua, Chief Physician, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University

Reviewer: Li Yongtao, Chief Physician, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in women. Millions of women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year worldwide, and its incidence rate continues to rise. In order to better understand and prevent breast cancer, we need to have a deeper understanding of it. Here are the popular science facts about breast cancer that you need to know.

1. What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs in breast tissue and usually originates from the mammary ducts or lobules. The incidence of breast cancer is higher in women, but men can also develop breast cancer. The pathogenesis of breast cancer is very complex, involving multiple factors such as genetics, environment, and lifestyle.

2. What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

(1) Painless breast lumps: This is the most common symptom of breast cancer. The lumps are usually painless and hard.

(2) Changes in breast skin: Breast cancer may cause symptoms such as dimpling, wrinkles, redness and swelling in the breast skin.

(3) Nipple discharge: Nipple discharge during the non-lactating period may be a sign of breast cancer.

(4) Swollen axillary lymph nodes: Breast cancer may metastasize to the axillary lymph nodes, causing swollen lymph nodes.

Figure 1 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

3. How is breast cancer diagnosed?

The diagnosis of breast cancer usually requires a series of examinations, including physical examination, imaging examinations such as mammography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging, as well as pathological examination. Among them, pathological examination obtained by coarse needle puncture or excised tissue is the "gold standard" for diagnosing breast cancer.

4. How to prevent and treat breast cancer?

Treatments for breast cancer mainly include surgery, chemotherapy (referred to as "chemotherapy"), radiotherapy (referred to as "radiotherapy"), targeted therapy and endocrine therapy. The choice of treatment method should be determined based on the patient's specific situation and the doctor's treatment recommendations. Complex lesions are usually discussed and decided by a multidisciplinary team.

The main measures to prevent breast cancer are as follows.

(1) Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle such as moderate exercise, a balanced diet, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption can help reduce the incidence of breast cancer.

(2) Regular breast examinations: This can help detect breast cancer early and improve the cure rate. It is recommended that women have a breast examination once a year starting at age 40.

Figure 2 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

(3) Pay attention to family genetic factors: Women with a family history of breast cancer should pay more attention to their breast health, have regular check-ups, and maintain good living habits.

(4) Avoid long-term estrogen therapy: Long-term estrogen therapy increases the risk of breast cancer. Therefore, you should follow your doctor's advice when using estrogen for treatment.

(5) Control your emotions and maintain a positive attitude: Emotional fluctuations, mental stress and other factors may also have adverse effects on breast health. Therefore, maintaining a positive and optimistic attitude is also very important for preventing breast cancer.

5. Rehabilitation and care for breast cancer

(1) Actively cooperate with treatment: Patients should actively cooperate with the doctor's treatment plan, take medication on time, return for regular checkups, and receive necessary auxiliary treatments. At the same time, they should maintain an optimistic attitude and strengthen their confidence in overcoming the disease.

(2) Reasonable diet: During the recovery period, breast cancer patients should follow the principle of a low-fat, high-protein, high-vitamin diet and avoid greasy, spicy and other irritating foods to facilitate the body's recovery.

(3) Exercise and rest: Appropriate exercise helps physical recovery, but be careful not to overwork. At the same time, maintain good work and rest habits and ensure adequate sleep time.

(4) Psychological support: Breast cancer patients may face psychological pressure and emotional fluctuations. Their families and society should give them sufficient support and care to help them get out of the shadows and regain confidence in life.

(5) Long-term follow-up: Breast cancer patients need to undergo regular follow-up examinations after treatment to detect recurrence or metastasis in a timely manner and take appropriate treatment measures.

In short, breast cancer is a common malignant tumor, but as long as we master the relevant popular science knowledge and actively carry out prevention and early screening, we can effectively reduce the incidence of breast cancer and improve the cure rate. Let us start from today, pay attention to breast health, and escort the future of ourselves and our families!

References:

1.Sung H, Ferlay J, Siegel RL, et al. Global Cancer Statistics 2020: GLOBOCAN Estimates of Incidence and Mortality Worldwide for 36 Cancers in 185 Countries.CA Cancer J Clin. 2021, 71(3):209-249.

2. Expert Group on the Development of Chinese Female Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines, Breast Specialty Committee, Chinese Society of Research Hospitals. Chinese Female Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines (2022 Edition). Chinese Research Hospitals, 2022, 9(2):6-13.

3. Yang Xiaoguang. Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents (2022), Chinese Food and Nutrition. 2022, 28(8): 2-3.