When it comes to breast cancer, which is one of the “red-headed killers”, people would say, “Breast cancer is terrible! Is this really true? Unlike ovarian cancer and pancreatic cancer which are deep inside the body, breast cancer is a superficial tumor that can be easily detected at an early stage, and it is possible to cure breast cancer at an early stage. Today, let’s get to know what kind of breast cancer exists and how to prevent and detect it at an early stage. What is breast cancer? Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs in the breast (commonly known as breast). women. Breast cancer is a very common malignant disease worldwide and is the most common malignant tumor (cancer) in women, as well as one of the most deadly malignant tumors. Worldwide, the incidence of breast cancer remains high in high incidence areas (North America, Europe, etc.) and is increasing in so-called low incidence areas (developing countries represented by China). China is one of the regions with relatively low incidence of breast cancer, but in recent years the number of breast cancer cases in China has been increasing year by year, showing a rapid upward trend, and the age of incidence is getting younger and younger. Especially in Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin and coastal provinces and cities, breast cancer is significantly more prevalent, and in large cities, breast cancer has become the first cancer among women. How does breast cancer come about? What risk factors increase a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer? As with other cancers, the exact cause of breast cancer is not fully understood and many questions remain to be answered. However, some of the more recognized risk factors for breast cancer include: infertility or infertility, few births, late first full-term birth (>30 years old), young menarche, late menopause, benign breast disease (cystic hyperplasia, etc.), family history of breast cancer, history of one side of the breast, radiation exposure (including previous chest wall radiation therapy), never breastfeeding or breastfeeding for a short period of time, and Excessive intake of exogenous estrogen (estrogen replacement therapy), obesity, overweight, excessive fat and calorie intake (high fat and high calorie diet), inadequate intake of fiber, carotene and vitamin C, etc. How to prevent breast cancer? The general principle is to avoid or reduce the exposure to related risk factors as much as possible, and to insist on breast self-examination and breast cancer screening (screening) to achieve early diagnosis and treatment. 1. To avoid or reduce the exposure to risk factors related to the development of breast cancer as much as possible. Some of these factors cannot be avoided or reduced, such as family history and age. Other factors can be avoided or reduced to a certain extent, such as: eating a reasonable diet, reducing fat intake, increasing the intake of crude fiber, carotene and vitamin C, exercising properly, controlling weight to avoid overweight and obesity, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol, having a full-term pregnancy and delivery at an appropriate age and breastfeeding as much as possible, reducing the frequency of unnecessary radiation exposure, etc. 2.Chemical drug prevention. Recent studies have shown that taking tamoxifen or exemestane can reduce the incidence of breast cancer in high-risk groups, but it should only be used under the guidance of a specialist, and should not be taken on your own. 3. Preventive mastectomy. In some areas with a high risk of breast cancer, some women with a high risk of breast cancer may choose to have a preventive bilateral mastectomy to avoid or reduce the risk of breast cancer. How to get early screening for breast cancer? The starting age for breast cancer screening for women is generally recommended to start at 40 years of age, but for some women at high risk of breast cancer, the starting age can be advanced to 20 years of age. The main tools include: clinician palpation, ultrasound, mammogram and MRI. The main treatment tools for breast cancer include surgery (including radical mastectomy, modified radical mastectomy, breast-conserving surgery, etc.), chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, endocrine therapy, radiotherapy, etc. Each breast cancer patient is different and not all patients need all these treatments. The basic principle is to have comprehensive, individualized and standardized treatment. In conclusion, breast cancer is not an incurable disease, the key is early detection and early treatment! May all the women under the sky be healthy and beautiful!