Frequently Asked Questions Q: I have just been diagnosed with breast cancer, what should I do? A: Please get as much information as possible about the disease and treatment options. You do not need to rush into a decision, and you should not be afraid to seek medical help and advice. Remember, breast cancer is not your fault – there is nothing that can be done to prevent it, and don’t forget that millions of women across the country are living with breast cancer – and so can you! Q: What should I do if my friend or family member gets breast cancer? A: Your friend or family member may find it difficult to make decisions about their treatment, feel upset and sad, and feel uncomfortable during their treatment. You can be patient and listen to them as they talk to you. If they don’t ask for your opinion, don’t rush to tell them what you think, let them make their own decisions. Even if you want to give advice, please do so based on the treatment plan proposed by the doctor, rather than offering other treatments that are not medically proven, so as not to make a mistake. Q: How do I know I have breast cancer? A: The most common symptom of breast cancer is a tumor felt in the breast or near the chest. If you notice any abnormal changes in your breasts, please consult your doctor immediately for advice. Breast pain and swelling is one of the symptoms of breast cancer. Other symptoms such as redness and swelling of the breast skin, nipple leakage or indentation are also signs of breast cancer. If you are concerned about changes in your breasts, please go to the hospital immediately for a checkup. Q: If breast cancer is detected early, is there a “cure”? A: Early detection will bring back the chance of life. Theoretically, the earlier the cancer is detected, the better the chance of cure. Q: My grandmother or mother had breast cancer, does it mean that I will definitely get breast cancer too? A: Having a family history of breast cancer is only one of the factors that increase your risk, it does not mean that you are bound to get breast cancer or have the genetic predisposition for breast cancer. Only 5-10% of breast cancer patients are actually directly related to genetic variations. Many women who have the so-called genetic predisposition for breast cancer have never had breast cancer in their lives, so there is no need to worry too much. Q: My diet is high in fat, does it mean I have a higher chance of developing breast cancer? A: Although there is no substantial data to show that a high-fat diet causes breast cancer, you are advised to avoid a high-fat diet for your own health. In particular, women who have reached menopause are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer if they also consume too much fat. Q: I found a tumor in my breast, does it have to be breast cancer? A: Not all breast tumors are cancerous. Generally speaking, about 90% of breast tumors are benign, but the chances change with age factors. More than 90% of the tumors found in young women are benign. However, the older the woman, the greater the chance that the tumor will be malignant. Older women have a much lower chance of finding benign tumors than younger women. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on your breast health and inform your doctor of any changes in your breasts as soon as possible. Q: I choose to take chemotherapy, does it mean that I will lose all my hair? A: Hair loss is only one of the after-effects of chemotherapy. Whether or not you will experience hair loss or other sequelae depends on the drug used, the dose and the duration of the chemotherapy treatment. Some people experience minimal sequelae, while others start losing hair three weeks after receiving chemotherapy. In any case, the hair will grow back after the chemotherapy treatment. You really don’t have to worry because you will soon have silky, shiny hair again!