With the progress of science and technology and the pressure of work and life, breast cancer has become a topic that can not be ignored in women’s health. Breast cancer has become one of the most common malignant tumors in women. Early detection, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer are essential for the survival rate and quality of life of patients. The purpose of this article is to take you into the world of breast cancer in a simple and understandable way to understand its basic knowledge, prevention strategies and treatment methods.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer originates from mammary epithelial cells, which proliferate abnormally under certain conditions, and these abnormally growing cells eventually form tumors. Mammary gland is a female-specific gland, located between the superficial and deep layers of the subcutaneous fascia of the chest, which is mainly responsible for secreting milk to feed the baby. However, when breast cells become cancerous, they can destroy the normal structure and function of the breast and may endanger our health.
2. Types
of breast cancer
Breast cancer is not a single disease, which can be divided into many types according to the different cell morphology and biological characteristics. Including but not limited to:
1. Invasive cancer:
Cancer cells have broken through the basement membrane and have the ability to invade surrounding tissues or metastasize.
2. Non-invasive carcinoma
(Carcinoma in situ): including intraductal carcinoma in situ and lobular carcinoma in situ, cancer cells have not broken through the basement membrane, the prognosis is relatively good.
3. Special types of cancer
Such as mucinous carcinoma, papillary carcinoma and so on, have unique pathological features.
Risk factors
for
breast cancer
Understanding the risk factors for breast cancer can help us better prevent the disease.
The main factors include:
1. Age: The risk of breast cancer increases with age.
2. Genetic factors: People with a family history of breast cancer have a higher risk.
3. Reproductive factors: such as no childbearing, late childbearing, no breast-feeding or short breast-feeding time.
4. Hormone levels: Long-term exposure to high levels of estrogen and progesterone may increase the risk.
5. Lifestyle: Obesity, lack of exercise, poor eating habits and long-term stress are also considered to be related to breast cancer risk.
IV. Early screening and diagnosis
Early detection of breast cancer is the key to improve the treatment effect. It is recommended that women have the following examinations regularly:
Breast self-examination: monthly self-examination of breast lumps, skin changes, etc.
Clinical examination: palpation of the breast by a professional physician.
Imaging tests such as breast ultrasound, mammography (mammography), and breast MRI are used to further evaluate suspicious lesions.
Histopathological examination: The final diagnosis depends on pathological biopsy.
5. Treatment
The treatment of
breast cancer varies from person to person, taking into account the stage of the disease, the type of tumor and the patient’s physical condition. The main treatment methods include:
Surgical treatment: such as mastectomy, breast-conserving surgery, etc.
Radiotherapy: The use of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy: The use of chemicals to kill cancer cells or prevent their growth.
Targeted therapy: a targeted attack on cancer cells with specific gene or protein abnormalities.
Immunotherapy: Inspires the body’s own immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Endocrine therapy: Regulate hormone levels in the body and inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
VI. Prevention and lifestyle
In addition to regular screening, a good lifestyle is also an important measure to prevent breast cancer:
1. Maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity.
2. Eat a balanced diet, eat more foods rich in dietary fiber, and reduce the intake of high-fat and high-calorie foods.
3. Regular exercise, at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise per week.
4. Limit alcohol intake and avoid smoking.
5. Reduce stress and maintain mental health.
Breast cancer is not terrible, as long as we are vigilant, active prevention, early detection, scientific treatment, we can effectively control the disease and protect women’s health. Let’s work together to protect breast health!
Breast cancer
