What is Breast Cancer?
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer destroys breast cancer tissue, spreads to the lymph glands under the armpits, and other parts of the body such as the lungs, bones, liver and brain. Breast cancer damages the function of the infected organs and threatens the lives of patients.
Luckily, patients who are diagnosed with breast cancer early and receive treatment immediately have a very high survival rate. Early detection and treatment can not only reduce medical expenses, but also avoid unnecessary treatment and its negative effects on the body and mind.
Between 1993 and 2015, the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer in Hong Kong tripled from 1,152 cases per year to 3,900 cases per year, with an average of 10 women being diagnosed every day. The median age of patients diagnosed in Hong Kong is 56 years old. Compared with the median age of 62 years in the United States and 60 years in Australia, Hong Kong patients are relatively young. One in 16 women has a chance to develop breast cancer in their lifetime. In 2015, 55% of breast cancer cases occurred in women aged 40-59 years. The older the age, the higher the risk.
Causes of breast cancer
The reason of breast cancer is unknown, but there are a number of high-risk factors that are known to increase the risk of breast cancer in women:
1. No breastfeeding experience
2. Never gave birth
3. Menstruation before age 12
4. Hormonal supplements during menopause
5. Less than 3 hours of exercise per week
6. Unhealthy eating habit
Breast cancer symptoms:
1. Breast : any lump(s), change in breast size and shape, dimpling or puckering of the skin
2. Armpit : swelling of the lymph glands in the armpit
3. Nipple : retraction of the nipple, secretion or bleeding
How to Prediction
1. Breast Self-Examination:
Regular self-examination of your breasts can help you familiarize yourself with how your breasts feel at different times each month, so when there are unusual changes in your breasts, you will quickly notice them. If you notice any unusual changes in your breasts, you should see a doctor immediately。
2. Mammography:
A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. Doctors use a mammogram to look for early signs of breast cancer. A good test and suitable for woman who aged over 35.
3. Ultrasound of Breast
Ultrasound imaging of the breast uses sound waves to produce pictures of the internal structures of the breast. Most suitable for young woman and the concept of "preventive medicine"
4.Breast Cancer Marker–CA15-3:
CA15-3 is a tumour marker. It is used to check how breast cancer treatment is working and look for cancer that has come back, or recurred, after treatment.
What is Breast Cancer?