We have heard various rumors about breast cancer. It is said that it is the number one killer of female cancers. It is said that it is a genetic disease, mainly caused by genetic factors, and Breast cancer is basically incurable and other horrifying rumors, are these really true? In fact, this is not the case. There are many misunderstandings about our understanding of breast cancer. Let us take a look at them together. .
1. Misconceptions about breast cancer
The factors that contribute to the high incidence of breast cancer in urban women are generally late marriage and childbearing, fewer births, shorter lactation times, and rapid and disorderly Urban life leads to endocrine disorders and induces the incidence of breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the number one cancer killer of women? False
Breast cancer is not the cancer that kills the most women, but it is one of the most common cancers in women. According to the American Cancer Society, the incidence of breast cancer in the United States is approximately 111/100,000. my country is a traditionally low-incidence area for breast cancer. According to research by Yang Ling and others from the National Cancer Prevention and Research Office, in 2005, the incidence rate of female breast cancer in my country was 24.8/100,000, ranking first among all types of cancer, and causing 48,164 cases. die. What is even more frightening is that from 2000 to 2005, the number of breast cancer cases in my country increased by 38.5%, which is a rapid trend.
Breast cancer is a genetic disease? Wrong
The pathogenesis of breast cancer is still not clear. However, scientists have discovered two genes related to breast cancer: BRCA1 and BRCA2. Women with mutations in these two genes have a 40 to 80 percent risk of developing breast cancer. However, another 20 to 60 percent of the cases cannot be explained by genes, and 80 percent of the cases have no clear family history of breast cancer. So, even if there is no history of breast cancer in your family, you should never take it lightly. At the same time, women with a family history of breast cancer should pay closer attention to their breasts.
Is breast cancer a woman’s disease? Wrong
Although for most men, the only trouble caused by breasts is transient breast hyperplasia during adolescence (I believe many men have had such an experience). However, according to some studies, the incidence rate of male breast cancer is about (0.85-1.30)/100,000. Because male breasts have less fatty tissue, cancer cells can easily invade the subcutaneous lymphatic network, so the mortality rate is quite high. In 2005, 460 men died of breast cancer in the United States. Therefore, male compatriots should not take the changes in breasts lightly.
Can antiperspirant use cause breast cancer? False
There is no evidence that using antiperspirants or reducing the secretion of underarm sweat glands increases the incidence of breast cancer. This statement may stem from a lack of knowledge about anatomy, or may come from some unhealthy skepticism.
Can taking birth control pills cause breast cancer? Wrong
A large number of studies (such as Marchbanks' 2002 survey published in the "New England Journal of Medicine") show that oral contraceptives do not increase the likelihood of women developing breast cancer, but women with a family history of breast cancer A slight increase in risk should be noted. Modern oral contraceptives contain only very low doses of hormones, and taking oral contraceptives can help women regulate their menstrual cycles, reduce the incidence of ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer, and alleviate symptoms of osteoporosis. Like any other medicine, everyone must consider the pros and cons of taking oral contraceptives.
Breast self-examination is the most effective way of early diagnosis? False
Mammography, especially the recent mammography examination, is the most reliable method for early diagnosis of breast cancer. Fingers can feel tumors as small as 1.5 centimeters, while X-rays can detect tumors smaller than 0.5 centimeters and determine their nature. When it comes to breast self-examination, its effectiveness cannot be overstated. The American Cancer Early Diagnosis Guidelines no longer list breast self-examination as a recommended early diagnosis method for breast cancer starting in 2005. Experts recommend that women over 35 years old should have a professional breast examination every 18 months, including X-ray examination and palpation by a professional physician. For women with family history and busy and high-pressure lives, experts recommend starting at the age of 30.
Can a high-fat diet cause breast cancer? False
Several large-scale studies have not shown a clear link between a high-fat diet and an increased incidence of breast cancer. However, it is a wise choice to avoid high-fat foods, especially if you are overweight. Obesity can indeed increase the incidence of breast cancer, because adipose tissue also secretes estrogen. Excess fat in the body will increase estrogen levels in the body, which is a risk factor for breast cancer.
Is a breast cancer diagnosis equivalent to a death sentence? Wrong
There is no metastasis in the medical records of 80 breast cancer diagnoses. The five-year survival rate of these patients is as high as 80%. Some patients have lived a high-quality life for many years after treatment. Even those breast cancer patients who have metastasized can continue to live for a long time. In particular, the treatment methods for breast cancer are improving with each passing day. As long as it is detected as early as possible, breast cancer does not mean the end of life.
Breast cancer treatment equals mastectomy? Wrong
There are various treatment methods for breast cancer. More than half of patients can receive breast-conserving treatment. Even if a mastectomy is required, it is not necessarily necessary to remove all the breasts. There are many surgical methods that can preserve the appearance of the breasts. This can Reduce the psychological pressure of patients to a great extent.
2. Breast cancer prevention measures
1. Start with diet.
There is also a relationship between alcohol intake and the risk of breast cancer. Drinking 1 to 3 alcoholic drinks per day increases the risk of breast cancer. If you must drink, women can take some folic acid to offset the adverse effects of alcohol.
For many years, scientific researchers have suggested that taking flaxseed can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Flax seeds are rich in lignans and omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, which have been proven to be effective in preventing cancer. It is also very convenient to eat. You can pour the liquid flax seeds on your salad, or you can grind the solid flax seeds and sprinkle them on your breakfast. In addition, women should consume low-fat dairy products, such as yogurt or skim milk, at least once a day.
Staying active is as important as eating healthy. The ideal amount of exercise is 30 minutes a day. No matter what, taking some time to exercise every day is better than not exercising at all.
2. Regular physical examinations. Don’t start breast cancer examinations casually from the age of 20.
Mammography is very important for women. X-rays can show if cancer has taken root in your body before you can feel a lump. Although the number of breast cancer patients is increasing year by year, the number of patients dying from it is decreasing. This all depends on timely and effective early examination and treatment.
The best time to treat breast cancer is in the early stages of breast cancer. How to treat early stage breast cancer? In fact, it is very important to understand the early symptoms of breast cancer. If early diagnosis and treatment can be achieved, the prognosis can be significantly improved. . Early breast cancer often has no obvious symptoms. Breast induration is occasionally found, most of which are painless, and a few are painful. Therefore, patients often lose their vigilance and mistake it for inflammation or premenstrual breast changes, thus delaying diagnosis and treatment. This must be taken as a warning. Breast cancer lumps are most common in the upper outer and central parts of the breast (about 70 years old). Sometimes bloody discharge from the unilateral nipple can be found. In this case, seek medical attention immediately. Sometimes the breast lump is not obvious, but when a lump is found in the armpit You should also seek medical treatment, because axillary lymph nodes are the earliest metastasis site of breast cancer.
We don’t want to be troubled by breast cancer. For our own health, we must take precautions against this disease in our lives. Measures should be taken, especially the prevention of breast cancer in life and diet