Who is at risk for breast cancer? Women with a family history of breast cancer, especially those who have a first-degree relative with breast cancer, have a higher chance of developing breast cancer; those who have early menarche (less than 12 years old) and late menopause (more than 55 years old) have an increased chance of developing breast cancer; women who are unmarried and unpregnant at an advanced age or have their first full-term child after 35 years old, or women who are married and unpregnant and have not breast-feeding have a higher chance of developing breast cancer. The chance of breast cancer is higher than that of the general population; obese women, especially those who are significantly obese after menopause or with diabetes, have an increased chance of breast cancer; those who have already had breast cancer in one breast have an increased chance of breast cancer in the opposite breast. What are the early symptoms of breast cancer? With the improvement of early detection technology, the mortality rate of breast cancer has decreased significantly compared to the past, but early detection and treatment is the key. Please note that the following may be early signs of breast cancer: hard lumps or thickening in the breast; changes in the size or shape of the breast; rough or wrinkled skin; swollen, red or warm skin; blood or black nipple discharge; nipple sunken in; itching, pain or keratinization of one nipple; swollen lymph nodes in the armpit. The earliest manifestation may be a lump without obvious pain and other symptoms, gradually increasing in size, or painless nipple discharge contaminating the internal rest, but not affecting daily work and rest, and often ignored by fellow women. Therefore, we urge that if you find any abnormality in your breast, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible and ask him/her to investigate; in addition, you need to strengthen your self-examination and regular check-ups in order to detect early lesions as much as possible. What are the routine examinations needed to confirm breast cancer diagnosis? In addition to physical examination, breast ultrasound, mammography, breast MRI and fine needle aspiration cytology are also required to confirm breast cancer diagnosis. The first three are non-invasive imaging examinations, through which doctors can indirectly determine the benignity and malignancy of the lump. The latter is cytological examination, which is safe, simple and easy to perform and has an unparalleled effect on the characterization of the lump. Can fine needle aspiration cytology cause tumor metastasis? The probability of this test causing implantation in the puncture tract is 0.005%, or 1 in 20,000. There have been no reports of distant metastasis or spread of cancer cells as a result of this test. Fine needle aspiration cytology is of great value in the diagnosis of breast cancer with few complications, and therefore it has long been included as one of the routine tests for breast disease. Why is a discharge often found in the breast? Discharge from the breast is a common problem. Most nursing women will produce fluid when they are squeezed around the nipple. However, it is a good idea to go to the hospital if: discharge occurs without external stimulation; discharge occurs frequently and only on one nipple; or discharge is bloody or brown or black in color. A blood-like discharge from the nipple is a more serious problem. 45% of the cases are intraductal papillomas, while other causes include fibrocysts, dilated milk ducts or end-of-pregnancy symptoms, etc. There is also a 15% chance that it is breast cancer, so it is best to go to the hospital for examination and treatment of the cause. Do I have to have my breast removed if I have breast cancer? Currently, most patients with early-stage breast cancer can choose to undergo breast-conserving surgery, but only in a hospital with good medical equipment and technology and under the guidance of highly skilled specialists. Post-operative radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and endocrine therapy are often recommended according to the clinical stage and tumor pathological classification. Can I have children after breast cancer surgery? With the development of medical science, the long-term survival rate of breast cancer is greatly improved after comprehensive treatment. This is something that must be carefully considered. During pregnancy, many hormone levels in the body change, which may cause changes to the already stable disease and promote tumor growth. Therefore, pregnancy is not only inappropriate when breast cancer is not cured or under treatment, but also after it is cured. Likewise, childbirth and breastfeeding are also inappropriate for breast cancer patients.