[Breast Cancer] A Comprehensive Guide to Symptoms, Types, Treatments, and Prevention Methods

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in Hong Kong, but what are the early signs of breast cancer? How can it be checked? And what is the survival rate? In this article, 10Life will provide a comprehensive overview of breast cancer, including its incidence rate, symptoms, self-examination methods, as well as diagnosis and treatment options, to help raise awareness and protect your health.

Breast cancer, also known as breast carcinoma, refers to the abnormal growth of breast cells forming a tumour, which may spread to other parts of the body such as the lungs, bones, liver, or even the brain. Based on the molecular characteristics of cancer cells, breast cancer types can be classified into hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (oestrogen receptor and progesterone receptors), HER2-positive breast cancer, and triple-negative breast cancer.

The severity of breast cancer depends on the size of the tumour, whether it has spread, and the treatment approach. Therefore, early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial for controlling the condition.

According to the data published by the Hong Kong Cancer Registry in 2022, there were 5,182 new cases of breast cancer in women, accounting for 28.6% of all new cancer cases among women in Hong Kong. The median age of onset for women was 58 years. Based on the crude incidence rate, there were approximately 130 new cases per 100,000 women.

Although the number of breast cancer diagnoses continues to rise, advancements in medical technology have led to continuous improvements in treatment outcomes. Data shows that the overall five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer patients is 84%. For Stage I patients, the survival rate is as high as 99.3%, almost identical to the general population; for Stage II, it is 94.6%; for Stage III, it is 76.2%; and even for Stage IV patients, the five-year survival rate reaches 30%.

Survival rates are influenced by factors such as the stage of cancer, the type of cancer cells, and the treatment methods. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve survival rates.

At present, the medical community has not determined the exact cause of breast cancer, but the following factors may influence the risk of developing it:

• Menstrual Influence: Early onset of menstruation (before age 12) or late menopause (after age 55), resulting in prolonged exposure to oestrogen.
• Reproductive Factors: Never having children or having the first child after the age of 35.
• Dietary Habits: Long-term consumption of foods high in animal fats.
• Lifestyle Habits: Smoking, frequent alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise.
• Age: Women over the age of 50 are at higher risk.
• Family History: Having immediate family members (such as mother, sister, or daughter) who have had breast cancer or ovarian cancer increases the risk compared to the general population.
• Personal Medical History: Previous diagnosis of benign breast conditions or other female reproductive system cancers (such as ovarian cancer or endometrial cancer).
• Hormonal Medication Use: Long-term use of contraceptive pills or hormone replacement therapy for more than 5 years.
• Overweight: Particularly post-menopausal weight gain, which may lead to excessive oestrogen levels and affect breast cells.
• Radiation Exposure: Previous chest radiation therapy.

Understanding the early signs of breast cancer and detecting symptoms of breast cancer early can help improve treatment outcomes. However, early-stage breast cancer may not present noticeable discomfort, but as the condition progresses, the following signs of breast cancer may appear: 

• Changes in the shape or size of the breast
• Skin dimpling, thickening, redness, or peeling
• A lump felt within the breast
• Inward turning or deformation of the nipple
• Thickening or lump in the nipple or areola
• Abnormal discharge from the nipple, such as bloody discharge
• Swelling of lymph nodes under the arm
• Breast pain: Breast pain is usually not associated with breast cancer, but if the pain persists after the menstrual cycle, medical attention should be sought promptly.

In addition to an annual breast examination, it is recommended to perform a breast self-examination at a fixed time each month, particularly 3 to 5 days after the end of your menstrual cycle. During this time, the breasts are less likely to be swollen, making it easier to detect any unusual changes. The self-examination method is very simple and can be divided into the following three steps:

1. Observe Breast Appearance

Stand in front of a mirror and check if there is any asymmetry in breast size, skin dimpling, redness, peeling, or changes in the nipples (such as inversion or deformity). Then, place your hands on your hips and press down firmly to tighten the chest muscles, further inspecting for any abnormal changes in the breasts.

2. Perform a Touch Examination

You can choose to stand or lie down. Use the pads of your fingers to gently press on the breast, moving in a circular motion from the outer edges inward, feeling for any lumps or unusual masses. At the same time, gently squeeze the nipple to check for any abnormal discharge, such as bloody fluid.

3. Check Under the Armpit

Use the pads of your fingers to lightly press under the armpit, feeling for any enlarged lymph nodes or unusual lumps.

If you notice any abnormalities, such as lumps, nipple discharge, or skin changes, seek medical attention as soon as possible for further examination to ensure your health.

Mammogram

Using low-dose X-rays to detect abnormal structures in the breast, such as calcifications or lumps, this is suitable for women over 40 for regular screening every 1 to 2 years. For those with denser breast tissue, it is often necessary to combine this with an ultrasound scan to confirm results.

Ultrasound Scan

Using sound waves to create images and distinguish the nature of a lump, such as a fluid-filled cyst or solid tumour, this is suitable for individuals with dense breast tissue or as a supplement to X-ray results, though it cannot detect minute calcifications.

Biopsy

Sampling tissue through fine needle, core needle, or surgical biopsy to determine if a tumour is malignant, this method offers high accuracy and is applicable to patients with abnormal findings from imaging tests.

Blood Test

Measuring tumour markers (such as CA 15-3, CEA) to monitor treatment effectiveness or recurrence risk, though it cannot be used alone as a definitive diagnostic tool.

If breast cancer is suspected, further tests are needed to determine if it has spread.

Liver Ultrasound Scan

Checking if breast cancer has spread to the liver, this is a painless, radiation-free method suitable for long-term monitoring.

Bone Scan

Using a small amount of radioactive tracer to detect if breast cancer has spread to the bones, this is suitable for individuals experiencing bone pain.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Providing high-resolution images, this is suitable for individuals with dense breast tissue or inconclusive imaging results, with no radiation but at a higher cost.

PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography)

Assessing the spread of cancer cells, this is suitable for patients diagnosed with breast cancer and suspected of metastasis, offering high accuracy but at a higher cost.

These testing methods aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. If abnormalities are found, medical evaluation should be sought as soon as possible.

The treatment for breast cancer depends on the cancer stage, type of cancer cells, and individual health conditions. The main treatment methods include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. Below is a brief introduction to these treatment options and their associated costs.

Surgical Procedures

Breast cancer surgery is divided into partial mastectomy (breast-conserving surgery) and total mastectomy. Some patients may require the removal of axillary lymph nodes to reduce the risk of recurrence. Surgical costs depend on the extent of the procedure and whether additional tests, such as axillary lymph node clearance or sentinel lymph node biopsy, are involved. According to Gleneagles Hospital, the surgical fees are as follows (HKD):

• Partial Mastectomy: Approximately $42,380
• Breast Tumour Removal (depending on whether lymph node examination is involved): Approximately $64,080 to $108,380
• Total Mastectomy: Approximately $75,080 to $106,180

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells and is suitable for intermediate to advanced-stage breast cancer, or as an adjuvant treatment after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence. Chemotherapy may cause side effects such as nausea, hair loss, and reduced immunity. A typical course consists of 4 to 8 cycles, with each cycle lasting about 2-3 weeks, and the entire treatment may take over six months. According to Gleneagles Hospital, the cost per chemotherapy session ranges from $2,300 to $4,300, with the total treatment potentially costing several hundred thousand HKD.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells and is usually performed after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence. The duration of treatment varies depending on the condition, the number of sessions, and the equipment used. According to Gleneagles Hospital, costs can range from $103,000 to $140,000.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy is suitable for patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. It works by suppressing oestrogen to reduce cancer cell growth and lower the risk of recurrence. Treatment typically lasts 5 to 10 years, with monthly medication costs ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the type of drug and duration of treatment.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is specifically designed for HER2-positive or other specific types of breast cancer. It has fewer side effects but is more expensive. Common targeted drugs include Trastuzumab (Herceptin), Pertuzumab (Perjeta), Bevacizumab (Avastin), and Everolimus (Afinitor). Treatment is usually administered every 3 weeks, with the cost per session ranging from $20,000 to $80,000.

Although the exact cause of breast cancer is unknown, a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of developing cancer:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight, especially after menopause, may increase the risk of breast cancer. Maintaining an appropriate weight helps balance hormones.
• Balanced diet: Consume more fruits and vegetables, and reduce intake of red meat, processed foods, and high-sugar, high-fat diets to lower cell damage.
• Moderate exercise: Engage in at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking or swimming, to help regulate hormones.
• Limit alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption may affect hormones. It is advisable to reduce intake or avoid alcohol altogether.
• Regular check-ups: Women over 40 should undergo a mammogram every 1 to 2 years. Women aged 20 to 39 should have a clinical examination annually and perform monthly self-examinations.

Breast cancer has a relatively high survival rate, but the key lies in early treatment. However, the cost of treatment at private hospitals can be exorbitant, potentially causing significant financial strain. Therefore, purchasing critical illness insurance early can provide financial support upon diagnosis, alleviate the burden, and offer more treatment options, allowing patients to focus on recovery with greater peace of mind. The terms of critical illness insurance can be complex, and the general public may have limited understanding of them. When applying for insurance, feel free to consult 10Life licensed insurance advisors for professional advice to ensure you choose the right coverage and prepare for the future.

Further Reading

What is Targeted Therapy? Can it Treat Cancer? Understanding the Principles, Types, and Effects
【Critical Illness Insurance Comparison】Which Whole Life Critical Illness Insurance is Best? Decoding the Key to 5-Star Insurance
What is the Waiting Period for Critical Illness Insurance? Key Points to Note When Purchasing Critical Illness Insurance
【MRI Price Comparison 2025】A Comprehensive Guide to MRI Scan Costs and Contrast Agent Side Effects

References:

1. Hong Kong Cancer Registry. Breast Cancer
2. Cancer Fund. Understanding Breast Cancer
3. Gleneagles Hospital
4. Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation. The High Cost of Breast Cancer Treatment (2023-08-24)
5. The High Cost of Cancer Drugs and What We Can Do About It

Last updated: 15 April 2025

This English version of this article has been generated by machine translation powered by AI. It is provided solely for reference purposes. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between this translation and the original Chinese version, the Chinese version shall prevail.