Breast cancer threat to women's health, the importance of early detection
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in Hong Kong, and according to the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, more than 4,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, which accounts for more than 25% of all female cancer cases. The incidence of breast cancer is increasing year by year, and this trend is more pronounced in younger people.Breast Cancer ScreeningIt has become an indispensable part of women's health care. Early detection of breast cancer not only significantly improves the cure rate, but also reduces pain and financial burden during the treatment process. Studies have shown that the 5-year survival rate for early-stage breast cancer (stages 0-1) is as high as 90% or more, while the survival rate for advanced breast cancer (stages 3-4) drops significantly to less than 30%. Therefore, do it regularlyIt is an important measure for women to protect their health.
Many women are afraid of breast cancer screening and are hesitant to get tested, especially when they hear that mammograms (commonly known as "breast clamps") can cause pain. This mental disorder can lead to delayed diagnosis and loss of prime time for treatment. In fact, modern medical technology has advanced significantly, and discomfort during the examination can be reduced in various ways. In this article, we will introduce in detail the types and processes of breast cancer screening, how to reduce discomfort during the examination, and help female friends to get tested with peace of mind, detect problems early, and treat them in a timely manner.
Types and processes of breast cancer screening
Self-examination: methods and precautions
Breast self-examination is an important part of a woman's daily health care and is recommended to be done monthly 5-7 days after menstruation. The procedure for self-inspection is as follows:
- 視診: Stand in front of the mirror, let your hands hang down naturally, and observe whether the shape and size of your breasts are symmetrical, and whether there are any dimples, wrinkles, or redness on your skin.
- palpation: Squeeze in a circular motion with your fingertips from the outside of the breast to the nipple to check for lumps and pain.
- Squeeze the nipple：輕輕擠壓乳頭，觀察有無異常分泌物。
Please note that the self-examination is not a sub-dressBreast Cancer Screening, because many early-stage breast cancer lesions cannot be detected by touch. If any abnormalities are found, you should see a doctor as soon as possible for further examination.
Clinical breast examination: procedure and purpose of palpation by a doctor
Clinical breast exams are usually performed by a professional doctor.Gynecological breast examinationSome of the doctors will ask about the patient's menstrual cycle, family history, etc., and palpation will check for abnormalities such as lumps in the breasts or swollen lymph nodes. During the examination, the doctor systematically compresses the breast using the pads of his fingers, making sure that all areas are covered. The advantage of clinical breast testing is that it is non-invasive, painless, and can detect large lumps, but it is often used in conjunction with imaging studies due to its low sensitivity to small lesions.
Mammography (mammography): emphasizes the principle, process and need to compress the breast
Mammography is one of the most commonly used breast cancer screening tools, especially for women over the age of 40. The principle is to penetrate the breast tissue through X-rays and capture images of the internal structures. During the examination, the technician places the breast on the camera platform and gently squeezes the breast with a platen to obtain a clear image. The purpose of squeezing the udder is as follows:
- Reduces the thickness of the chest and improves the clarity of the image.
- Disperse the breast tissue so that it does not overlap and affect the diagnosis.
- Reduce radiation dose.
The squeezing process can cause temporary discomfort, but it usually lasts only a few seconds. The Hong Kong Health Department recommends that women over the age of 40 undergo mammograms every two years, and high-risk groups (if they have a family history of medical history) should start early and increase the frequency.
Breast ultrasound: principle, process, emphasis on painlessness
Breast ultrasonography is a test method that uses high-frequency sound waves to detect breast tissue, which is especially suitable for women with dense breasts. During the examination, the doctor applies a gel to the breast and swipes it with a probe. The advantages of ultrasound include:
- It does not contain radiation and is suitable for pregnant women and young women.
- Painless and comfortable process.
- You can distinguish between cysts and parenchymal masses.
Ultrasound is often used as an aid to mammography for further evaluation of suspicious lesions.
Breast MRI: Emphasis on Principles, Processes, and Applications
Breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a test method that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed breast images, which are more sensitive than X-rays and ultrasound. MRI is suitable for:
- High-risk groups (e.g., BRCA gene mutation carriers);
- Breast cancer has been diagnosed and the extent of the tumor must be assessed.
- People with dense breasts, poor X-ray results.
The MRI requires an injection of a contrast agent, which takes about 30-60 minutes and requires you to lie on the examination table. It does not contain radiation, but it is expensive and is not usually used as a routine screening tool.
Doctor's analysis: causes of pain in mammography
Many women are afraid of mammography pain, but the level of pain varies from person to person, mainly due to the following factors:婦科乳房檢查
Sensitivity of breast tissue
The sensitivity of breast tissue is related to factors such as menstrual cycle, age, and breast density. One week before menstruation, the breast may become more swollen and painful due to hormonal changes, and the discomfort may increase if the examination is done at this time. It is recommended that you avoid scheduling exams during this period.
Differences in machinery and equipment
The various models of breast cameras used in various healthcare facilities often have a more comfortable design, such as:
- Platen to automatically adjust the pressure.
- Ergonomic examination table.
- Digital imaging technology reduces duplicate shooting.
Operational skills of technicians
The experience and skills of the technician have a significant impact on the comfort of the inspection. Skilled technicians can:
- Accurately position your chest and reduce the number of adjustments.
- Control the pressure to reduce pain and ensure image quality.
- It provides clear guidance to help patients relax.
Individual tolerances
Pain tolerance varies from person to person and is also related to psychological expectations. Excessive tension can exacerbate pain, and staying relaxed can reduce discomfort.
Your doctor will teach you how to reduce the discomfort of mammography
The following methods can effectively reduce the discomfort of mammography:
Choose an experienced medical institution or technician
It is offered by several medical institutions in Hong KongBreast Cancer ScreeningChoosing an institution with services, advanced equipment, and experienced technicians will greatly improve your inspection experience. You can refer to recommendations and online reviews from relatives and friends.
Inform technicians of pain sensations
Before the examination, the technician should take the initiative to inform the technician of the pain sensitivity, and the technician can adjust the compression pressure accordingly. If you feel excessive pain during the examination, you can ask immediately.
Adjust your breathing to relax your mind
Deep breathing helps to relax the muscles and reduce discomfort. When checking, try the following:
- Inhale slowly for 4 seconds.
- Hold your breath for 2 seconds.
- Exhale slowly for 6 seconds.
Use of pain relievers (talk to your doctor)
If you are particularly sensitive to pain, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever (such as paracetamol) 1-2 hours before the test, but you should consult your doctor first.
New Mammography Technology: Reduces Pressure and Reduces Pain
In recent years, several new mammography techniques have become increasingly popular, including:
- 3D mammography (tomography): Reduce the number of apertures and improve diagnostic accuracy.
- Contrast-enhanced mammography: The need for compression is reduced by injecting a contrast agent.
Breast examination is an important part of protecting your health
Breast cancer is scary, but it has a very high cure rate with early detection. Through the Right ThingGynecological breast examinationThis concept and method allows female friends to overcome the fear of the pain of examinations, undergo regular examinations and take care of their health. The Hong Kong Sanitation Department offers a number of breast cancer screening subsidy schemes to ensure that eligible women have access to free or discounted screening services. Remember that temporary discomfort can be traded for long-term health and peace of mind.