**Early Detection and Prevention**
Breast cancer is one of the few cancers that can be detected through self‑examination. The earlier it is found, the higher the chance of successful treatment. Proactive prevention serves as the first line of defence against breast cancer. To prevent breast cancer, we need to start with lifestyle habits: getting adequate exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, undergoing regular check‑ups and building better knowledge of breast cancer.
* Understanding Hereditary Risk If you have immediate family members who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, especially those diagnosed before the age of 50, you should stay extra vigilant. Although the medical community generally considers most breast‑cancer cases to be sporadic, hereditary risk cannot be ignored and must be taken seriously.
People with a family history of breast cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease than the general public. They should start breast‑screening practices earlier: perform breast self‑examination once a month and get mammograms annually to monitor breast conditions. Having a family history of breast cancer does not mean you will definitely develop breast cancer. With regular screening and a healthy lifestyle, excessive worry is unnecessary.
* Regular Screening Developing a habit of regular breast checks is fundamental for breast‑cancer prevention. Women from the age of 20 are suitable for monthly breast self‑examination. Approximately one week after the onset of menstruation, breast tenderness and swelling caused by hormonal cycles subside and breast tissue returns to a soft state — this is the optimal time for self‑examination.
Since Chinese women tend to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age compared with Western women, it is recommended that Chinese women aged 20‑39 receive a clinical breast examination or mammogram every three years; women aged 40 and above should have one at least every two years.
The following three screening methods can effectively detect breast abnormalities under different circumstances:
- Breast Self‑Examination ● For people aged 20 and above: once per month Benefit: Helps you become familiar with your own breast tissue, making it easier to spot abnormal changes.
- Clinical Breast Examination ● Every 3 years for those aged 20‑39; every 2 years for those aged 40 and above Benefit: Professional nurses or doctors carry out visual inspection and palpation to identify lumps or other abnormal findings.
- Mammogram ● For ages 20‑39: frequency determined by doctors based on individual conditions; every 2 years for ages 40 and above Benefit: Commonly known as “breast compression scan”. The machine compresses the breast for X‑ray imaging. X‑rays are taken from two different angles for each breast. Mammograms can reveal pre‑visible tumours and clearly show white calcification spots associated with carcinoma in situ.
Other breast‑imaging modalities:
- Ultrasound Scan It generates internal tissue images using sound waves. It is most widely used to distinguish cysts from solid tumours. In fibrocystic changes, common in women over 40, fluid‑filled cysts produce no echo, whereas benign or malignant solid tumours create echoes. Benign tumours tend to have regular shapes, while malignant tumours often have irregular outlines and heterogeneous internal structures.
- Digital Mammography Breast images are captured in digital format for sharper visuals. Computer‑aided interpretation improves diagnostic accuracy. Without physical film, images can be transmitted electronically worldwide. Its main drawback is higher cost.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) The advantage is zero radiation exposure. It facilitates differentiation between benign and malignant lesions, and provides clear views of tumour size and its relationship with surrounding tissues. It is especially suitable for patients who have undergone breast‑cancer surgery. The downside is its high price. The American Cancer Society recently recommends breast‑cancer survivors receive both mammography and MRI every year.
- Ductography It is mainly used for patients with nipple discharge suspected of having intraductal tumours. A thin catheter is inserted into the duct opening on the nipple to inject contrast medium. If a tumour site is identified, a small metal marker may be placed to help surgeons plan surgical incisions.
* Physical Exercise Moderate exercise boosts cardiopulmonary function and blood circulation. It helps the body eliminate accumulated waste and fat, strengthens immunity and lowers disease risk. Studies also show that people who walk briskly for three hours per week can reduce their risk of breast cancer.