The health education consultation program at Bach Mai Hospital, featuring two leading experts — Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Cam Phuong, Director of the Nuclear Medicine and Oncology Center, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thi Viet Dung, Head of the Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery — provided important information to help women proactively protect their health.
The Importance of Early Breast Cancer Screening
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Cam Phuong, the latest statistics from GLOBOCAN 2020 show the alarming burden of breast cancer. In Vietnam, breast cancer is the cancer with the highest incidence among women and even ranks first when both genders are considered together.
The most important thing everyone should remember is that treatment effectiveness depends greatly on the stage at which the disease is detected. Assoc. Prof. Phuong emphasized: “If breast cancer is detected at a very early stage, such as stage 0 or stage 1, the 5-year survival rate can reach 98–100%. However, when detected at a late stage, such as stage 4, when the cancer has metastasized, this rate drops to only about 25–30%. This difference shows the vital importance of screening and early detection.”
Early detection not only increases the chance of cure, but also makes treatment gentler, less costly, and helps preserve function as well as aesthetics for patients.
Mammography is considered the “gold standard” in breast cancer screening, capable of detecting small lesions even before they can be felt by hand.
Recognizing risk factors and early warning signs
Proactive prevention begins with understanding risk factors and listening to your body.
Who Is at High Risk of Breast Cancer?
Genetic factors: People with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, or those with close family members such as a mother, sister, or daughter who have had breast cancer.
Personal history: Having previously had precancerous lesions or cancer in one breast.
Hormonal factors: Early menstruation before age 12, late menopause after age 55, not having children, having the first child after age 30, or not breastfeeding.
Lifestyle factors: Being overweight or obese, lack of physical activity, and frequent alcohol consumption.
Breast tissue characteristics: Women with dense breast tissue on mammography images.
Early Warning Signs That Require Immediate Medical Examination:
Feeling a lump, hard mass, or abnormally thickened tissue in the breast or armpit area.
Changes in breast size or shape.
Breast skin that is pulled inward, dimpled, thickened, or has an “orange peel” appearance.
Nipple inversion or abnormal nipple discharge, especially bloody discharge.
Pain or discomfort in one area of the breast or armpit that is not related to the menstrual cycle.
Current Breast Cancer Screening Methods
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Cam Phuong recommends that women undergo regular screening through the following methods:
Breast self-examination at home: This is the first and simplest step. Women should perform it monthly, preferably 5–7 days after menstruation ends. This helps you become familiar with your body and detect unusual changes early.
Clinical examination at a healthcare facility: A doctor will professionally examine the breasts and armpit area to detect signs that you may miss.
Diagnostic imaging:
Mammography: This is considered the “gold standard” in breast cancer screening, capable of detecting small lesions even before they can be felt.
Breast ultrasound: Often used in combination with mammography, especially effective for younger women and those with dense breast tissue.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Recommended for people at very high risk, such as those carrying genetic mutations or with a complex family history, for more in-depth screening.
Improving treatment effectiveness and preventive measures
What Can Be Done to Prevent Breast Cancer?
In addition to regular screening, a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk:
Maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity.
Increase physical activity and exercise regularly.
Limit alcohol consumption as much as possible.
Breastfeed your baby.
Follow a balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruits.
Comprehensive treatment and recovery of quality of life
At Bach Mai Hospital, breast cancer treatment is approached through a multidisciplinary model. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Cam Phuong shared that a council of specialists from diagnostic imaging, pathology, medical oncology, radiotherapy, and surgery will consult together to develop the most optimal treatment plan for each patient.
In particular, aesthetics and psychological well-being after treatment are also given top priority. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Thi Viet Dung said: “We always hope to restore confidence to women after treatment. Even in cases where the entire breast must be removed, with modern reconstructive surgery techniques, we can completely restore the shape of the breast, helping patients not only regain their health but also recover their confidence and quality of life.”
Expert advice: Breast cancer is no longer a sentence if we take proactive action. Listen to your body, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and undergo regular screening. When any abnormal signs appear, do not hesitate to see a doctor for timely consultation and examination. Bach Mai Hospital, with its team of multidisciplinary experts, is always ready to accompany you on your journey to protect your health.
With the advances of modern medicine, early breast cancer screening and regular check-ups are the key to minimizing risks and protecting the health of yourself and your family. Knowledge is power, and early action is opportunity.