Breast Cancer Screening Methods

Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
Updated on November 19, 2024
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Breast cancer screening methods start with manual palpation to check for lumps. Second, mammography is used, which is the most effective method for early diagnosis of breast cancer with a sensitivity of 80%-90%. Additionally, breast ultrasound and B-ultrasound examinations can be performed, which are simple, safe, and non-invasive. Another available method is breast MRI, which provides more accurate differentiation between benign and malignant tumors. Lastly, a biopsy using a hollow needle can also be done.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Types of breast cancer surgery

Breast cancer surgery types are generally still dominated by modified radical mastectomy. Modified radical mastectomy can be divided into two types; one preserves both the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscles, and the other removes the pectoralis minor muscle but preserves the pectoralis major muscle. Another option is breast-conserving surgery, which is feasible for tumors smaller than three centimeters and at least two centimeters away from the nipple. Nowadays, sentinel lymph node biopsy has become popular. If it proves that the sentinel lymph node has no metastasis, a single mastectomy can be performed.

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Written by Zhang Chao Jie
Breast Surgery
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What should not be eaten with breast cancer?

There are specific considerations regarding foods that should be avoided for breast cancer patients. Foods, medications, or health supplements containing sex hormones are absolutely prohibited. The most common source of sex hormones in food is the use of placenta for nourishment, which is a common practice among the Chinese populace but is strictly forbidden in this case. Medications typically involve contraceptives, so it is crucial, especially in younger breast cancer patients, to consider non-medication-based contraception and avoid unplanned pregnancies — these are absolute taboos. Additionally, foods low in fats and cholesterol are not entirely prohibited but should be consumed in moderation.

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Written by Li Hu Chen
Imaging Center
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Does breast mammography detect breast cancer?

Mammography primarily checks for any issues in a woman's breast, such as space-occupying lesions, which can be simply understood as a method specifically for screening breast cancer. Mammography is generally performed in the radiology department, where each breast is compressed using a flat panel, and then images are taken to look for any suspicious nodules. Generally speaking, it is adequate to perform this examination once a year. If one prefers not to undergo mammography, breast ultrasound can also be used to screen for breast cancer. If performed annually, it can effectively detect early cancerous changes or suspicious nodules, and if necessary, further treatment or assessment can be undertaken.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Can being angry cause breast cancer?

Frequent anger in women is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. The causes of breast cancer are not yet fully elucidated, but recent research suggests that its development may be related to various factors. These include familial factors, reproductive factors, levels of sex hormones, and relevant genes. Frequent anger in patients can cause instability in the body's hormones, leading to exacerbated breast hyperplasia. Increased breast hyperplasia can then lead to the formation of small nodules in the breast. Due to the stimulation of estrogen in the body, these breast nodules are more likely to become cancerous. Therefore, it is important to maintain a cheerful mood, minimize anger, and eat more foods containing vitamins, as Vitamin A plays a role in protecting breast cells.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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How does one get breast cancer?

How is breast cancer caused? Regarding the causes of breast cancer, the primary factor should be family history. If a first-degree relative has breast cancer, then the likelihood of developing breast cancer increases. The second factor is reproductive factors; for instance, if the age at menarche is quite young, menopause age is relatively late, menstrual cycles are short, there is no childbirth or the age at first full-term pregnancy is older, there are fewer childbirths, and there is a lack of breastfeeding, then the incidence of breast cancer is also higher. The third factor involves hormones, possibly related to endogenous hormones or exogenous hormones, such as those mainly associated with oral contraceptives used externally. The fourth major point is a high-fat diet, or habits like drinking alcohol, smoking, and a diet low in vitamins, which may increase the risk of breast cancer. The fifth point involves other factors, such as exposure to significant amounts of ionizing radiation, chemicals from cancer drugs, lack of physical exercise, and occupations, such as working in the beauty industry or pharmaceutical manufacturing, etc., which may also increase the chances of developing breast cancer.