Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in women all over the world. Every year, millions of women around the world are diagnosed with breast cancer. However, through early detection, prevention and treatment, the survival rate of breast cancer can be greatly improved. This article will bring you popular science knowledge about breast cancer and help you better understand the disease.
1、 Definition of breast cancer
breast cancer is a malignant tumor occurring in breast tissue. It usually originates from mammary epithelial cells, but may also originate from mammary stromal cells. Breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body, such as lymph nodes, lungs, liver, etc.
2、 Etiology of breast cancer
The etiology of breast cancer is not completely clear, but many factors are considered to be related to its incidence. Among them, age, family history, environmental factors, and lifestyle are all important influencing factors. For example, increasing age, family history of breast cancer, long-term exposure to harmful environmental factors and poor lifestyle may increase the risk of breast cancer.
3、 Symptoms of breast cancer
Symptoms of breast cancer may vary from individual to individual, but the following are some common symptoms:
1. Breast lump: there is an unusual lump or nodule in the breast, and you may feel hard, irregular or painful.
2. Changes in breast skin: Breast skin may become tight, sunken, or exhibit orange peel like changes.
3. Nipple changes: Nipples may become flattened, inverted, or elevated.
4. Enlarged axillary lymph nodes: The axillary lymph nodes may be enlarged and may feel painful or hard when touched.
4、 Breast cancer Prevention
1. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: maintain a balanced diet, increase the intake of vegetables, fruits and whole grains, and reduce the intake of high-fat and high-calorie foods. Meanwhile, maintain moderate exercise and avoid excessive drinking and smoking.
2. Weight control: keeping a healthy weight can reduce the risk of breast cancer. It is recommended that women maintain a healthy weight in adulthood and avoid excessive obesity.
3. Regular breast examination: regular breast examination is an important measure to prevent breast cancer. It is recommended that women start breast examinations at the age recommended by doctors, such as mammography, ultrasound, etc.
4. Avoid harmful substances: Avoid prolonged exposure to harmful substances such as radiation, chemicals, etc. Try to avoid using cosmetics and health products that contain a large amount of estrogen.
5. Family history screening: women with a family history of breast cancer should strengthen screening awareness, and regularly carry out breast examinations and genetic counseling.
5、 Treatment of breast cancer
The treatment of breast cancer focuses on comprehensive treatment, and personalized treatment plans are formulated according to the patient's condition, molecular classification, individual differences, etc.
1. Surgical treatment: including modified radical mastectomy, breast conserving surgery, and total mastectomy for breast cancer. The surgical method depends on the size and location of the tumor and the individual condition of the patient.
2. Chemotherapy: Using chemical drugs to kill tumor cells and reduce the risk of recurrence and metastasis. Chemotherapy includes preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy, postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, and rescue chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer.
3. Radiotherapy: Using radiation to locally irradiate tumors and inhibit tumor growth.
4. Endocrine therapy: inhibit the growth of breast cancer by regulating the hormone level in the patient's body or blocking the effect of hormone on tumor cells. Endocrine therapy is suitable for patients with hormone receptor positivity.
5. Targeted therapy: targeted to identify specific molecular targets of breast cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth. Targeted therapy is suitable for HER2 positive patients.
6. Immunotherapy: Eliminating tumor cells by activating or enhancing the patient's own immune system. Immunotherapy is suitable for some patients with advanced breast cancer.
In short, breast cancer is a common malignant tumor, but through early detection, prevention and treatment, it can greatly improve the survival rate and quality of life. Women should maintain a healthy lifestyle, conduct regular breast examinations, and timely detect and treat breast cancer to maintain their health and life safety.