Breast Cancer

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a common malignant tumor originating from the epithelial tissue of the breast, associated with uncontrolled cell proliferation. Major risk factors include genetic predisposition and prolonged estrogen exposure, such as early menarche, late menopause, nulliparity, and chest radiation exposure during childhood. Additionally, factors like late development, longer breastfeeding duration, and earlier childbirth may help reduce the risk of developing the disease.

Breast cancer can be classified into non-invasive and invasive types, with the latter having the potential to metastasize to multiple organs throughout the body. The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age from 20 years old, peaking between 45 and 50 years of age. This disease ranks among the top two in incidence among female malignant tumors worldwide.

Early-stage breast cancer often presents no obvious symptoms. Common clinical manifestations include a breast lump, nipple discharge, and axillary lymph node enlargement. Some patients may experience systemic symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue. In advanced stages, distant metastasis can lead to multi-organ involvement, posing a serious threat to life and health. Breast cancer is not contagious.

Breast cancer staging is typically assessed using the TNM system. Treatment options are diverse, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy, and targeted therapy. However, there remains a certain risk of recurrence after treatment. For prevention, attention should be paid to reducing relevant estrogen exposure risks, and regular breast self-examination and clinical breast exams are recommended. After diagnosis, doctors will develop an individualized treatment plan based on the patient's condition.