When the farm encounters an uninvited guest: Breast cancer, this is how we fight it!

Author: Kong Xiangyi, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

Reviewer: Wang Zhongzhao, Associate Professor, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

"Sisters, have you heard of breast cancer?" This is not a new topic, but it is indeed a topic that each of us should pay attention to. First of all, don't be nervous. Next, I will talk to you in the "common language" that everyone loves to hear and is easiest to understand.

1. Breast cancer is simply ...

Imagine that our body is like a farm, and cells are the plants on the farm. Most of the time, these "plants" live in peace and harmony, providing our body with all the energy and functions it needs. But in some cases, some "plants" are not very obedient, and begin to grow wildly and reproduce crazily. We can call these "weeds" - that is, abnormal cells.

Then, breast cancer is one of these "weeds" that chooses the fertile land of the breast and begins to grow wildly. But why does it choose the breast?

1. Plot characteristics : The mammary gland is a female-specific organ that is affected by female hormones, which are like "fertilizers" on a farm. In some cases, they may be excessive, causing "weeds" to grow wildly.

2. Environmental stimuli : Past injuries, external radiation or chemicals may be the cause of the uncontrolled growth of "weeds".

3. Problems with the cells themselves : Sometimes, there are some minor problems with the genes of these "plants", causing them to grow too vigorously and out of normal control.

But don't panic; like farmers, we have many ways to monitor and manage our land to ensure it is healthy and prevent "weeds" from growing, or remove them if we find them.

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2. How do “weeds” grow?

The growth of "weeds" is multi-factorial, just like the soil on a farm. It is not just a problem of the soil itself, but also external factors, weather, water, light, etc. Similarly, the causes of breast cancer are also varied. Here are some of them:

1. Heredity : Just like inheriting the land from your grandparents, sometimes the soil (that is, our genes) may hide some characteristics that are prone to growing "weeds". This does not mean that "weeds" will definitely grow, but it does increase the risk. If someone in your family has had breast cancer, then you may need to be more careful and do more tests.

2. Hormones : Our body is like a farm, and hormones are the "fertilizer" in the farm. Under normal circumstances, they can help "plants" grow well. But sometimes, this "fertilizer" may be applied too much or too randomly, causing "weeds" to grow wildly. Especially estrogen, which plays an important role in the female body, but if it is secreted too much or exposed for too long, it may increase the risk of breast cancer.

3. Lifestyle : Have you ever paid attention to the soil on the farm? If you often add "impurities" such as tobacco and alcohol to it, its structure and composition may change. Similarly, our bodies are the same. Long-term smoking and excessive drinking may change the internal environment of our bodies, making it easier for "weeds" to grow.

4. Environmental factors : In addition to the above factors, the environment we live in will also affect our "farm". Long-term exposure to certain harmful chemicals, radiation, or night shift work may increase the risk of breast cancer.

5. Physiological factors : Early menarche or late menopause will expose the female body to estrogen for a long time, which may increase the risk of breast cancer.

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3. Which farms are more likely to grow weeds?

The emergence of breast cancer is related to various internal and external factors. Imagine that some farms are more likely to attract "weeds" to grow because of different soil, climate or management methods. Similarly, there are some "farms" with specific conditions that are more susceptible to the threat of breast cancer.

1. Old farms : Just as old soil is prone to growing various weeds, over time, various aging factors and external "pollution" accumulate in the soil. This means that the older the farm is, the higher the risk of growing "weeds".

2. Farms without seedlings : Imagine a farm without new seedlings for a long time. The soil activity decreases, making it easier for "weeds" to take advantage. Women who have never given birth or have given birth late are more likely to have "weeds" growing on their farms due to long-term hormone exposure.

**3.** Starting a farm early : Women who have their first period early are like farms that have started planting crops early. This means that the farm may be exposed to various "environmental risks" from the outside world earlier and encounter "weeds" earlier.

4. Farms with frequent fertilization : Some women take hormone replacement therapy or contraceptives for a long time, which is like frequently applying fertilizer to a farm, which may increase the chance of "weeds" growing.

5. Farm trauma : A history of breast trauma or radiation exposure is like a farm that has experienced a storm or other damage, which may make it more likely for "weeds" to grow.

Knowing these risk factors is not meant to make us overly worried, but rather to help every “farmer” better understand and care for his or her own “farm,” take appropriate precautions, and detect and deal with “weeds” in a timely manner.

4. How to prevent the growth of “weeds”?

"Weeds" may sprout up in our "farm" at any time, so what can we do to prevent these "weeds" from gaining ground?

1. Check the farm regularly

(1) Monthly self-examination: Just like farmers check their fields every month, every woman should check her breasts every month to feel for lumps or other abnormalities.

(2) Annual professional examination: Going to the hospital for a professional breast examination every year is like inviting a gardening expert to inspect the farm and identify potential "weeds" with a more professional eye.

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2. Keep the farm alive

(1) Moderate exercise: Exercise can promote blood circulation and improve the body's immunity, just like watering and fertilizing farmland, making the "plants" healthier and less likely to grow "weeds."

(2) A balanced diet: Eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and less high-sugar, high-fat, and processed foods. This will provide the “farm” with rich nutrition and enhance its ability to resist “weeds.”

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(3) Stay away from harmful substances: Smoking, excessive drinking and exposure to certain chemicals may make it easier for "weeds" to grow on the "farm". Therefore, try to avoid these harmful substances in your life.

3. Don’t fertilize randomly

(1) Control hormone intake: Long-term or excessive use of certain hormone drugs may cause too much "fertilizer" in the "farm", making it easier for "weeds" to grow. When using these drugs, be sure to do so under the advice and supervision of a doctor.

(2) Understand your family medical history: If someone in your family has had breast cancer, your "farm" may be more susceptible to "weeds." Know your family medical history and tell your doctor so that you can take more targeted precautions.

4. Mental relaxation and peace of mind : Long-term mental stress and anxiety may also affect our "farm". Try to find a way to relax that suits you, such as meditation, yoga or walking, which can not only help you relax your body and mind, but also create a more harmonious environment for the "farm".

5. What should we do if “weeds” appear?

Suddenly discovering "weeds" in your "farm", the first feeling must be panic and overwhelm. But don't worry, calm down, we have a set of methods to deal with these unwelcome guests.

1. Timely eradication

(1) Surgery: If the weeds have not yet spread throughout the entire farm, surgery is the most direct and thorough way. The doctor will recommend partial or complete mastectomy to ensure that the weeds are completely eradicated. Sometimes, in order to prevent the weeds from reappearing, the doctor may also recommend mastectomy on the other side.

(2) Lymph node examination: Weeds can sometimes spread to other places through the farm’s waterways, the lymphatic system. During surgery, the doctor will examine the lymph nodes to make sure the weeds have not spread.

2. " Spraying pesticides " - chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is to use special "pesticides" to deal with those stubborn "weeds". These "pesticides" will spread throughout the body through the blood, find and kill the "weeds". But be aware that these "pesticides" may also affect the normal "plants" in the "farm", so during chemotherapy, you may feel some discomfort, such as hair loss, nausea, etc., but these are temporary, and after completing the treatment, the body will gradually recover.

3. "Sunbathing" - radiotherapy

Imagine that the strong beams of the sun can kill the "weeds". Radiotherapy works in the same way. High-energy beams are used to irradiate the areas where the "weeds" are concentrated, making it impossible for them to grow and reproduce. However, radiotherapy also has limitations and can only treat "weeds" in a fixed area.

4. Other methods

(1) Targeted therapy: There are some new types of "pesticides" that are like special "herbicides" that specifically target a certain type of "weed." By analyzing the genetic and biological characteristics of the "weed," doctors can choose the most suitable targeted drug for treatment.

(2) Endocrine therapy: For those "weeds" that grow due to excessive "fertilizer", we can choose to adjust the "fertilizer" supply of the "farm" to reduce its growth momentum. This is endocrine therapy, which is mainly aimed at breast cancers that are affected by hormones.

Finding weeds can certainly be a heavy heart, but remember that most weeds can be eliminated if we adopt the right strategies and treat them promptly and effectively. During this process, it is important to maintain a positive attitude, follow the advice of your doctor, and have the support of family and friends.

6. Attitude is important

Breast cancer is indeed a test, but in this test, in addition to doctors and medicines, your "mental farm" is also a key part.

1. Stay optimistic : Imagine that when the "farm" is full of sunshine, singing and laughter, it is difficult for "weeds" to thrive. Similarly, positive and optimistic emotions can help the body cope better with treatment and speed up recovery.

2. Psychological counseling : When we encounter difficulties, sometimes our "farm" needs some guidance and encouragement. Psychologists and counselors are like agricultural experts who can provide you with strategies and methods to help you maintain a balanced mentality.

3. Share with others : Sharing your experiences and feelings with family, friends, or breast cancer support groups will not only bring strength and encouragement to your "farm," but also let you know that you are not alone.

4. Meditation and relaxation : Imagine the flowing water, birdsong and breeze in the "farm". Such meditation and relaxation exercises can help you relax your body and mind and reduce stress and anxiety.

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Conclusion

Breast cancer may be a scary term for many people, but remember that every "weed" has its inherent resilience and vitality. In this battle against "weeds", there are many tools and methods to help us. But in the end, the key to victory lies in ourselves, our determination, courage and positive attitude.

Therefore, no matter what difficulties and challenges you face, please believe in your own strength and believe that this "farm" will eventually shine with vitality. I hope everyone can take good care of themselves like taking care of their own "farm", and cherish every moment of health and happiness.