มะเร็งเต้านม โรคที่หญิงไทยควรรู้

Thai women today have a much higher risk of developing breast cancer, especially women living in many cities such as Bangkok, Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai, and Lampang. This has broken records that no one wants to happen, surpassing cervical cancer to become the number one cancer among women. It is believed that soon, breast cancer will be the most common cancer among Thai women nationwide. It was previously known that breast cancer is a disease of older women or menopausal women, but studies by surgeons in Thailand have found that the average age at which breast cancer begins is around 40 years, which is 10 years younger than the figures in other countries. It is also increasingly found in younger women, with the latest cases showing girls as young as 16 years old developing breast cancer.
<h2>Causes of Breast Cancer</h2>
Given these statistics, many women can no longer be complacent. We need to look into the causes that increase the risk of breast cancer. According to medical studies, it is caused by genetic factors (5-10%), high-fat diet, lack of regular exercise, and long-term use of external hormones for more than 5-10 years, whether it is birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy during menopause, all of which can increase the risk. However, some people wonder if wearing bras with underwire, using roll-ons on the armpits, breast augmentation surgery, or drinking cordyceps milk increase the risk. Medically, there is no clear evidence proving these as actual causes. Even having breast cysts does not indicate an increased risk.
<h2>Breast Cancer Prevention</h2>
We can prevent breast cancer by exercising regularly for at least 30 minutes, about 3 times a week or more, avoiding high-fat foods, and being cautious with the use of external hormones. Additionally, every woman should regularly perform breast self-examinations. Other screening guidelines are as follows:
<ul>
<li>Breast self-examination at least once a month starting at age 20</li>
<li>Breast examination by a doctor every 3 years from age 20 onwards; after age 40, it should be done annually</li>
<li>Mammogram and/or ultrasound once between ages 35-40; after age 40, every 1-2 years</li>
<li>For patients with a direct family history of breast or ovarian cancer, screening should start 5 years before the age at which the relative was diagnosed</li>
</ul>
<h2>Signs to Watch For and When to See a Doctor</h2>
If you notice any of the following symptoms: a lump or thickened breast tissue, red or warm skin, enlarged pores resembling orange peel, dimpling or puckering of the skin, skin retraction or swelling, pain more than usual, itching, rash especially around the nipple and areola, inverted nipple, change in nipple direction, nipple discharge, or a non-healing sore on the breast or nipple, you should see a doctor. Nowadays, diagnosing breast cancer is not complicated and does not require painful or large surgical wounds. After a physical examination by a specialist, additional tests such as mammogram and ultrasound will be performed. Digital mammography technology now provides clearer images compared to the older analog system.
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For those with very dense breast tissue or high risk, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide rapid diagnosis. When suspicious lesions are found, doctors use a small needle, only 1.5 mm in diameter, to perform a biopsy. Even if a lump cannot be felt, mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI can guide the needle precisely to the suspicious area. Once the tissue sample is obtained, a pathologist will determine if it is cancerous. If you are diagnosed with cancer, do not panic, as treatment advances have progressed rapidly, including surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation, and targeted therapy, all of which provide good outcomes. Surgical treatments are now more modern, with fewer complications, and the breast can maintain a natural appearance without suffering from arm swelling caused by axillary lymph node dissection.

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Breast cancer: A disease Thai women should be aware of.

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