**Interviewer:** Breast cancer is often referred to as the “pink killer.” Can you explain why it is considered a leading threat to women’s health worldwide?
**Expert:** October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month globally. In recent years, the rates of breast cancer have remained alarmingly high. It ranks as the most common malignant tumor among women, contributing significantly to cancer-related morbidity.
**Interviewer:** Ms. Wu, a 49-year-old from Shanghai, recently experienced a situation that reflects this issue. Can you share your story?
**Ms. Wu:** Absolutely. I work in the healthcare field, and during a routine check-up, I discovered a lump in my breast. Initially, it felt smooth and movable, and I didn’t have any discomfort, so I delayed seeking medical attention.
**Interviewer:** That must have been concerning. What happened next?
**Ms. Wu:** After months of postponing my visit, I finally went to the hospital for an examination, and the results were shocking. I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, and the lump had already spread to my lymph nodes, reaching up to 1.5 cm in size.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Shao, can you explain the implications of being diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer?
**Dr. Shao:** Triple-negative breast cancer is challenging to treat because it lacks specific hormonal targets. This type of cancer is known for its aggressive nature, with a considerable chance of early recurrence and metastasis. Unfortunately, once it metastasizes, the prognosis is often poor, with very few patients surviving beyond a couple of years.
**Interviewer:** How is Ms. Wu coping with her diagnosis now?
**Ms. Wu:** After undergoing surgery and subsequent chemotherapy, I am feeling much better. I even volunteer at the hospital’s breast surgery department to help raise awareness about breast cancer prevention and treatment.
**Interviewer:** During your investigations, did you notice any patterns concerning who is most at risk for developing breast cancer?
**Interviewer:** Yes, I found that breast cancer predominantly affects women aged 30 and above. There are noticeable spikes in incidence rates, particularly between ages 45-49 and again at 60-64.
**Dr. Fan:** That’s correct. In China, the rate of diagnosis sharply rises after 30, with significant peaks in those age brackets.
**Interviewer:** Are there other risk factors that women should be aware of?
**Dr. Wang:** Absolutely. Genetic predisposition, family history, and hormone levels are critical factors. Early menarche, late menopause, and prolonged exposure to hormones also elevate risk. Moreover, lifestyle factors like stress and obesity play a significant role.
**Interviewer:** What guidance do you have for women, particularly those approaching menopause or post-menopausal?
**Dr. Wang:** We do not recommend unmonitored estrogen supplementation. Women approaching menopause might experience symptoms, but any hormonal treatment should be conducted under medical supervision. For post-menopausal women, fat tissue can convert to estrogen, and excessive weight can increase breast cancer risk.
**Interviewer:** Given the rising incidence rates, what steps should women take for early detection?
**Dr. Shao:** Early detection is crucial for improving cure rates. We advise women over 40 to have annual screenings, including ultrasounds and mammograms. Data shows that those who participate in regular screenings have a 30% lower mortality rate than those who do not.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights on this pressing issue. It’s clear that awareness and regular check-ups can significantly impact survival rates in breast cancer.
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