Breast cancer, which has the highest incidence of malignant tumours among women, poses a serious threat to their health. The status of breast cancer treatment is described below:
I. Morbidity and mortality
Data show that China accounted for 23.7 per cent of new cancer cases diagnosed globally in 2020, well above the rest of the world. In China, breast cancer is the most malignant tumour among women. In 2020, there were more than 4.16 million new cases of breast cancer among women in China, and the incidence rate was 39.1 per 100,000, with approximately 117,000 deaths due to breast cancer every year.
II. PROGRESS OF MEDICAL ADVANCES
Early screening: Breast cancer is increasingly being detected at an early stage as medical examinations become available and breast screening strategies are improved. The starting age for mammography screening is usually 40 years, and it is recommended that a mammogram X-line molybdenum test be combined or not combined with breast ultrasound every 1-2 years. For high-risk groups with breast cancer-prone genes (e.g. BRCA1/BRCA2), the screening strategy needs to be personalized and may include the earlier start of the screening and more frequent examinations, with an annual mammogram (MRI) if necessary.
Molecular stratification: The emergence of a new generation of antibodies, ADC drugs, has led to a shift in breast cancer molecule stratification from the traditional dichotomy age (HER2 positive/negative) to the tripolar age (HER2 positive, Her2 low expression and Her2 IHC0), providing a strategy and direction for precision treatment.
New drug and treatment models: In recent years, new drug and treatment models have emerged in the field of breast cancer treatment. For example, the presence of target-oriented drugs for Sher2-positive breast cancer, which have tended to cover the entire spectrum of the disease, including tuto-poo-poo-poo-poo-poo-poo-poo-poo-poo-poo-poo-poo-poo-poo-poo-poo-poo-poo-poo-poo-poo-poo-poo-poo-poo-poo-poo-poo-poo-po-po-poo-poo-po-poo-po-po-po-po-po-po-po-po-po-po-po-po-po-po-po-po-po-o-po-po-o-po-po-po-po-po-po-po-po-po-po-po-po-po-po-po-po. In addition, immunotherapy provides new options for difficult subtypes such as triple-negative breast cancer.
Individualized precision treatment: With a better understanding of breast cancer biology, individualized precision treatment has become an important trend in breast cancer treatment. Doctors develop individualized treatments based on the biological characteristics of the patient ‘ s tumours, such as HER2 state, hormone receptor (ER/PR) state, etc.
Slowness management: Breast cancer has entered the age of slowness management and hospitals and doctors are concerned not only with the patient ‘ s lifespan but also with the quality of life of the patient. By building a patient-centred “life cycle” of health management, moving from a single disease to one of the patients themselves, and promoting the concept of “single disease, interdisciplinary” to better combat other health problems directly or indirectly caused by breast cancer through in-patient cooperation.
III. Survival rates and projections
Early Patients: The five-year survival rate for early breast cancer has reached more than 90 per cent, and most patients have reached a life span of more than 10 years. This has benefited from early diagnosis, individualized precision treatment and the use of new drugs.
Late Patients: Although treatment of late-stage breast cancer is more difficult, the survival of late-stage patients is gradually being extended as new medications and treatment models are emerging. For example, there are still a number of second- and third-line treatment options available for late-stage HeR2-positive breast cancer patients in cases of relapse after first-line treatment. IV. Outlook for the future
As science and technology progress and innovative drugs continue to emerge, breast cancer treatment will become more accurate, effective and accessible.
Breast cancer screening and diagnostic techniques will also continue to improve, allowing more breast cancer to be detected and treated at an early stage.
Chronic management of breast cancer will be improved and the quality of life of patients will be further improved.
In general, the situation with regard to breast cancer shows a growing and progressive trend. We can provide better treatment and care for breast cancer patients by strengthening early screening, promoting individualized treatment, applying new medications and treatment models and improving the management of slow diseases.
