What are the screening methods for breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, known as the "beauty killer". In recent years, the incidence rate has increased year by year, and there is a trend of younger people in my country. However, as long as it is discovered in time and treated in a standardized manner, the cure rate of early breast cancer is as high as 90%.

We do not have a definite way to prevent breast cancer. It is best to have regular screenings to detect and treat the disease early. Regarding breast cancer screening, many women know that the most commonly used method is to do a self-examination once a month. So what are some more professional medical screening methods?

1. Molybdenum target X-ray:

Mammography is a common method for diagnosing breast cancer, which is divided into dry plate photography and low-dose radiography. The breast tissue of young women is easily damaged by radiation, and their breast tissue is dense, which is generally difficult to diagnose and identify. Therefore, mammography is often not recommended for women under 35 years old.

2. Ultrasound examination:

Ultrasound imaging is non-destructive and can be used repeatedly. Ultrasound imaging is often more accurate in determining the size of a tumor, and can therefore be used to compare the efficacy of non-surgical treatments (such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy, etc.). Other imaging diagnostic methods include thermal imaging, near-infrared scanning, CT, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Cytological and histological diagnosis; exfoliative cytology; fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAB) are becoming more and more widely used, with safe operation and rapid diagnosis. The final diagnosis of breast cancer should come from a biopsy.

3. Genetic testing:

It is a minimally invasive detection method that uses a series of laboratory methods to detect an individual's gene arrangement and expression, thereby assessing the individual's risk of disease.

Genetic testing can help people understand their genetic defects and risk of disease in a timely manner even if they are not physically sick, so that they can know about their diseases early, prevent them early, and treat them early. They can also take a series of targeted prevention and treatment measures to adapt their living environment and living habits to the requirements of their genes, allowing them to live clearly and be in control of their own lives.

4. Gene mutation testing for familial breast cancer genes includes:

1. Gene mutation test of BRCA1 gene.

2. Gene mutation test of BRCA2 gene.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the breast cancer genes discovered so far. If a patient has mutations in these two genes, the chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime will be around 80%, and the age of onset will also be earlier. At the same time, if the gene mutation is found in her children, it means that they are also at high risk. By screening for hereditary breast cancer susceptibility genes, potential breast cancer populations can be identified and timely intervention can be carried out.