How does one get breast cancer?

Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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How is breast cancer caused? Regarding the causes of breast cancer, the primary factor should be family history. If a first-degree relative has breast cancer, then the likelihood of developing breast cancer increases. The second factor is reproductive factors; for instance, if the age at menarche is quite young, menopause age is relatively late, menstrual cycles are short, there is no childbirth or the age at first full-term pregnancy is older, there are fewer childbirths, and there is a lack of breastfeeding, then the incidence of breast cancer is also higher. The third factor involves hormones, possibly related to endogenous hormones or exogenous hormones, such as those mainly associated with oral contraceptives used externally. The fourth major point is a high-fat diet, or habits like drinking alcohol, smoking, and a diet low in vitamins, which may increase the risk of breast cancer. The fifth point involves other factors, such as exposure to significant amounts of ionizing radiation, chemicals from cancer drugs, lack of physical exercise, and occupations, such as working in the beauty industry or pharmaceutical manufacturing, etc., which may also increase the chances of developing breast cancer.

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Written by Zhang Chao Jie
Breast Surgery
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How long does breast cancer surgery take?

The duration of breast cancer surgery varies depending on multiple factors, such as the type of surgery chosen, the surgeon, and the medical institution performing the surgery. Simply put, if a breast-conserving surgery is performed, the operation might only take about half an hour; whereas a typical modified radical mastectomy, which involves removing the entire breast, might take about an hour and a half. If the surgeon is a specialist in a top-tier hospital and performs breast cancer surgeries weekly or even daily, their surgery time is definitely the shortest. Therefore, depending on these factors, the duration can be as short as several tens of minutes to as long as several hours, in the case of reconstructive surgeries where the breast is removed and then reconstructed, which can take six to eight hours. Thus, it cannot be generalized; the duration can be as quick as twenty to thirty minutes or as lengthy as several hours.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Early manifestations of breast cancer

Early-stage breast cancer is primarily characterized by a single, painless small lump, which is hard with unclear boundaries and a rough surface, blending indistinguishably with surrounding tissues and difficult to move within the breast. It is usually discovered accidentally or while bathing. Swollen lymph nodes may be present, and the nipple may be inverted with possible bloody discharge. As the tumor grows, it may invade the Cooper's ligaments, causing the skin to dimple, a condition known as peau d'orange. These are all early symptoms of breast cancer. If the condition progresses, it may lead to a skin texture resembling orange peel.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Breast Cancer Screening Methods

Breast cancer screening methods start with manual palpation to check for lumps. Second, mammography is used, which is the most effective method for early diagnosis of breast cancer with a sensitivity of 80%-90%. Additionally, breast ultrasound and B-ultrasound examinations can be performed, which are simple, safe, and non-invasive. Another available method is breast MRI, which provides more accurate differentiation between benign and malignant tumors. Lastly, a biopsy using a hollow needle can also be done.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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How to Prevent Breast Cancer

Since the exact causes of breast cancer are not fully understood, prevention of breast cancer involves early examination. It is recommended that women under the age of 35 undergo a clinical examination every six months and a breast ultrasound once a year. For women over the age of 35, it is advised to have a breast ultrasound every six months and a mammogram once a year. Early detection and early treatment are the most important aspects of breast cancer prevention. Learn self-examination, and if you feel a noticeable lump, it is recommended to regularly visit a breast clinic or surgical clinic for diagnostic tests and treatment.

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Breast Health Department
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Breast Cancer Self-Examination Method

Breast self-examination helps to detect changes in the breasts in a timely manner, and to discover breast diseases promptly. For instance, breast lumps are often found by patients themselves during self-examination. However, finding a breast lump does not necessarily mean it is breast cancer, as many conditions can present as breast lumps, such as the most common one, fibrocystic breast changes. Besides breast self-examination, early detection of breast cancer also relies on regular physical check-ups. It is recommended that women of childbearing age should develop the habit of regular breast self-examinations and routine physical check-ups, and consult a doctor promptly if abnormalities are found.