Early Cancer Screening, Health Check up
【Breast Cancer】Aware for painless breast lump “Alarm”
Nov
Early detection of breast cancer allows patients to have more treatments approach. Early treatment could reduce the burden of extensive treatment expenses and negative physical and mental stress, which greatly increases the chances for successful treatment. This article introduces some common breast cancer screening and self-examination.
Breast self-examination
Over the years, regular breast self-examination can help to raise women’s awareness of the changes in her breasts. Most breast lumps are detected by women themselves during self-examination. The best time to examine yourself is when the breasts are not painful or swollen, such as after menstruation. Women after the menopause can do it anytime. Visit your doctor promptly if you find a lump.
Method of examination:
- Observe the breasts: Sit in front of a mirror with your arms naturally hanging down and observe if there are any asymmetries, differences in size, or unusual shapes between the two breasts. Check if there are any skin puckering or changes in the nipple’s appearance. Gently press the nipple to see if any fluid discharged. Next, raise both hands and continue observing the breasts in the same way.
- Touch gently: Starting under your shoulder for examination. After completing one side, switch to the other side. During the examination, use the pads of three middle fingers to touch gently both inner sides of the breasts. It’s also important to touch the areas above the collarbone, below the sternum, under the armpit, and in the armpit itself to check for any unusual lumps.
- Sit upright, place one hand behind your head, and repeat the above steps. If you notice anything unusual, please consult a specialist for further evaluation.
Timing of examination during the menstrual cycle: Young women are advised to perform a “breast self-exam” within one week after the end of their monthly period. The breasts are less likely to be swollen and softer, making it easier to examine deeper breast tissue.
Early screening test for breast cancer reduces risks
Mammogram
Mammogram screening can reduce the breast cancer mortality rate by 20% to 40%. Some women are concerned about the radiation risk of Mammogram, but according to medical evidence data, the risk of radiation for breast cancer is very low and it’s not significant.
However, Mammogram still has a 10% to 30% chance of “false positives” occurs. Younger women with denser breast tissue may have difficulty detecting masses through X-rays, and the effectiveness of displaying tumor tissues is not significant. Preliminary data on 3D Mammogram suggests that it may be more accurate than 2D Mammogram, but there is currently a lack of definitive medical data to prove that it can more effectively reduce breast cancer mortality rates. For women aged 45 and above, it is recommended on regular breast imaging screening every two years.
Breast Ultrasound
Breast ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to create a picture of the inside of the breast. It is effective in detecting small tumors in women with denser breast tissue. However, refer to the international guidelines currently there is no significant data to prove that breast ultrasound as routine screening can effectively reduce mortality rates. On the contrary, it may increase the rate of false positives. Therefore, it is not recommended as routine screening.
Biomarkers
Breast cancer risk can also be measured through blood tests. CA 15-3 is a cancer biomarker associated with breast cancer. An elevated reading indicates a higher risk of breast cancer. However, CA 15-3 levels can also increase due to benign breast tumors or hepatitis for false positive outcome. Additionally, cancer biomarkers have lower sensitivity for early detection of breast cancer, so they need to be supplemented with other breast cancer examinations.
Biopsy
Biopsy of breast tissue can be classified into two types: incisional biopsy and excisional biopsy. Incisional Biopsy is a minor surgery that helps determine the characteristics and grade of tumor cells. Excisional biopsy is currently the most accurate diagnostic method but is more invasive and may leave scars due to the need for wound closure.
Liquid biopsy
Liquid biopsy is novel approach for detecting the presence of tumor recurrence and real-time monitoring of tumor dynamics, and evaluation. Blood is the most common biological fluid used for testing, as it contains various tumor-related biomarkers such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and others. In comparison to surgical tissue extraction, liquid biopsy is non-invasive, significantly reducing the risks for patients. Extracting blood for testing can provide earlier information about cancer.
Trucheck CTC Cancer Screening Test (Breast Cancer)
Trucheck is a new, accurate, and simple detection for circulating tumor cell blood test for the early cancer risk.
- High accuracy up to 96% for breast cancer screening.
- Only a small amount of blood is required.
- It is non-invasive and does not involve radiation, making it safer than imaging tests.
- It can detect tumor risks earlier than MRI and traditional blood markers.
- Suitable for asymptomatic individuals.
Breast cancer treatments
Among the numerous high-risk factors for breast cancer, four prevention methods can be summarized as follows:
- Regular exercise
Sustained physical activity not only helps with weight management but also accelerates the body’s metabolism, promotes blood circulation and lymphatic detoxification, relieves stress, and enhances immune function. It can also reduce the levels of estrogen in the body, thus lowering the incidence of breast cancer.
- Healthy diet
Reduce the intake of high-fat foods, especially animal fats found in red meat and full-fat dairy products, as these foods tend to promote hormone secretion. Excessive hormones are one of the main causes of breast cancer. Consuming vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale can effectively reduce estrogen levels. Green tea, which contains antioxidants called catechins also decrease the risk of developing breast cancer.
- Reduce estrogen-rich foods consumption
- Maintain a relaxed mindset
Medical research has found that mental stress can weaken the immune system and increase the production of stress hormones like cortisol. By maintaining a relaxed mindset and reducing stress levels, the incidence of breast cancer can be lowered.
- Routine Screenings
If breast cancer could be detected in the early stage, the 5-year survival rate can greatly improve, and patients may have the option of breast-conserving surgery. It is recommended that women aged 40 and above undergo Mammogram screening every 2 years to facilitate early detection and appropriate treatment. Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations or a family history of breast and ovarian cancer should even undergo annual Mammogram screening or liquid biopsy screening.
- Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation
- American Cancer Society
- [信健康] 乳癌篩查 女士須知
- World Health Organization (WHO)