Since I frequently stay hospitalized at a women’s specialized cancer rehabilitation hospital,
The most common cancer among women is indeed breast cancer.
Breast cancer is really diverse in types and is a tough cancer...
Moreover, it is clear that the number of patients in their 20s and 30s has increased compared to two years ago.
I also have dense breasts, so I always ignored it, but I had a detailed examination three years ago.
I was relieved, but if there are findings from the detailed examination, please make sure to undergo it!
Early detection is really important!!
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Regular self-examinations are recommended, and after age 35, it is advised to perform X-ray and ultrasound examinations concurrently.
Breast cancer is a disease that no woman can be free from. It mainly occurs in middle-aged women in their 40s and 50s, but recently, there has been an increase in young patients in their 20s and 30s. Fortunately, early detection and regular check-ups can overcome it. I learned from Professor Kang Young-jun of the Breast and Thyroid Surgery Department at Incheon St. Mary's Hospital about the important points to remember in dealing with breast cancer.
Reporter Lee Min-young lee.minyoung@joongang.co.kr
1. Early detection results in a 5-year survival rate of 93.8%
According to the 2021 National Cancer Registration Statistics, out of a total of 133,800 new female cancer patients, approximately 21.5%, or 28,720, had breast cancer. Breast cancer can be detected early through regular screenings. Early treatment results in a high cure rate. The 5-year survival rate for breast cancer was 93.8% as of 2021.
2. Dense breasts are common; recommend combined X-ray and ultrasound examinations
If a lump can be felt in the breast, or if the nipple is inverted, the skin is swollen, and the pores are prominent, resembling an orange peel, breast cancer may be suspected. If symptoms appear, it is possible that a significant amount of time has passed since the cancer developed. Professor Kang advised, "Women over 30 should perform self-examinations monthly, and women over 35 should see a specialist for examination every two years, while women over 40 should have check-ups every 1 to 2 years." Korean women often have dense breast tissue. It is advisable to perform both mammography and ultrasound examinations.
3. Late menopause and alcohol consumption are risk factors
The exact cause of breast cancer is not clear, but several risk factors are well known. A history of breast cancer or family history, early menarche, late menopause, and lack of childbirth or breastfeeding experience are factors that increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Obesity, use of contraceptives, alcohol consumption, and radiation exposure also act as risk factors.
4. Surgery is essential, with partial resection and conservation procedures performed.
The essential treatment for breast cancer is surgery. In the past, total mastectomy was the predominant procedure, but recently, breast-conserving surgery or partial mastectomy that considers quality of life is mainly performed. Depending on the tumor's condition, various treatments such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy are combined.
There is no such thing as good or bad food.
To prevent breast cancer, proper nutrition, exercise, and regular health check-ups are important. There are no particularly good or bad foods, but it is advisable to avoid high-calorie foods and excessive alcohol consumption. Obesity increases the risk of breast cancer. Weight management must be thorough.
Breast cancer self-diagnosis method
Compare the shape, contour changes, and bilateral symmetry of the breasts by looking in the mirror.
2. Interlock both hands behind your back, apply force, and extend forward to observe for skin indentation.
3. Raise the arm on the breast side being examined above your head and use the fingers of the opposite hand to gently circle clockwise around the outer upper part of the breast to perform the examination.
4. Check for lumps in the upper and lower parts of the collarbone and at the bottom of the armpit.
5. Observe for abnormal discharge from the nipple
Reporter Lee Min-young lee.minyoung@joongang.co.kr
