Who is at risk for breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a global health burden and is the most common cancer in Vietnamese women. This is the cancer with the highest incidence rate in women and even ranks first when considering all cancers in both sexes.

Mammography is considered the "gold standard" in breast cancer screening, capable of detecting small lesions even before they can be felt - Photo: BVCC

Who is at risk for breast cancer?

According to Dr. Pham Cam Phuong - Director of the Center for Nuclear Medicine and Oncology, Bach Mai Hospital, the latest statistics from Globocan 2020 show the alarming level of breast cancer.

The most important thing that people need to remember is that the effectiveness of treatment depends largely on the stage at which the disease is detected.

Dr. Phuong emphasized: "If breast cancer is detected at a very early stage (stage 0 or 1), the 5-year survival rate can reach 98-100%. However, when detected at a late stage (stage 4), when the cancer has metastasized, this rate drops to only about 25-30%. This difference shows the vital importance of screening and early detection of the disease."

People at high risk of breast cancer include:

Genetic factors: People with BRCA1, BRCA2 gene mutations or have family members (mother, sister, daughter) with breast cancer.

Personal history: Having had precancerous or cancerous lesions in one breast.

Endocrine factors: Early menstruation (before age 12), late menopause (after age 55), no children or late first birth (after age 30), not breastfeeding.

Lifestyle: Overweight, obesity, lack of exercise, frequent alcohol use.

Breast characteristics: Women have dense breast structure on X-ray images.

Signs of breast cancer

According to doctors, common signs of breast cancer include: Feeling a lump, hard lump or abnormally thick tissue in the breast or armpit; changes in breast size or shape; breast skin being pulled, dimpled, thickened, or showing signs of "orange peel"; nipples being inverted, unusual discharge (especially bloody); pain or discomfort in a breast or armpit area unrelated to the menstrual cycle.

Dr. Phuong recommends that women should perform regular screening through the following methods:

Breast self-examination at home: This is the first and simplest step. Women should do it monthly, preferably 5-7 days after their period ends. This will help you get familiar with your body and quickly recognize any unusual changes.

Clinical examination at a medical facility: Your doctor will professionally examine your breasts and armpits to detect signs that you may miss.

Mammography: This is considered the "gold standard" in breast cancer screening, capable of detecting small lesions even before they can be felt.

Breast ultrasound: Often used in combination with X-rays, it is especially effective in younger women and those with dense breast tissue.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): For people at very high risk (carrying mutated genes, complex family history) for more in-depth screening.

What to do to prevent breast cancer?

In addition to regular screening, a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of breast cancer, such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding obesity; increasing physical activity, exercising regularly; minimizing alcohol consumption; breastfeeding; and eating a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits.

Early detection not only increases the chance of cure but also makes the treatment process gentler, less expensive and preserves the patient's function and aesthetics.

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WILLOW

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ai-co-nguy-co-mac-ung-thu-vu-20251006203839398.htm