Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the most common cause of death in women. Breast cancer is divided into non-invasive cancer and invasive cancer, and it can transfer to many other organs throughout the body. The age of onset increases year by year from the age of 20, reaching the highest point at 45-50 years old, making it the number one killer of women in the world. Since 1992, October of each year has become Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and global attention to breast cancer has been growing.

October 18th is “World Breast Cancer Awareness Day” and “Pink Ribbon Day”. On this day, St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou successfully held the breast cancer care event, whose theme is “Caring for Breast Health, Building a Healthy Defense Together”, with the participation of doctors and patients. 

“Pink Corridor” spread knowledge of breast cancer 

To encourage hospital visitors to focus on women's breast health and to enhance their understanding of breast disease, our hospital has established a “pink corridor.” This corridor provides information on the current state of breast cancer, its symptoms, screening methods, treatment options, and prevention techniques. Additionally, we have created bilingual displays in Chinese and English showcasing the experiences of many breast cancer survivors treated at our hospital. These survivors, who have thrived for many years following comprehensive minimally invasive treatment, exemplify confidence and hope.

Among them, Malaysian patient Ms. Noraini found her “second life” mission after recovering: to convey love, courage, and hope to more patients. Currently, she actively participates in various anti-cancer sharing sessions and breast cancer forums in China and Malaysia and takes part in radio programs to encourage patients with her personal experience.

Lecture by expert cleared the various questions

In order to let in-patients know more professional knowledge about breast cancer, Dai Wenyan, director of the Clinical Prevention and Treatment Center for Breast Cancer of our hospital, delivered a science knowledge lecture on breast cancer on site. Director Dai has many years of clinical experience and has profound attainments and abundant successful cases in the field of early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. During the lecture, she introduced the incidence and mortality of breast cancer, demonstrated the common symptoms of breast cancer and our hospital's effective treatment techniques including breast conservation, breast reconstruction and others. She emphasized that the 10-year survival rate of early breast cancer after treatment can reach more than 90%. Therefore, “early detection, early diagnosis, and early treatment” are the key to prevention and treatment for breast cancer. Finally, she called on the ladies present to pay attention to changes in their breasts, and to seek medical attention as soon as possible if any abnormalities are found and to follow the doctor's advice for treatment.

Ambassador of love inspired all patients fighting against cancer 

On the road to fighting cancer, in addition to the help of doctors, there is also the support of fellow patients. The patient's personal encouragement usually conveys more brilliance. In order to help more patients build up confidence in fighting cancer, we set up a special “Anti-Cancer Ambassador” commendation session during the event, so that more patients can draw strength from it and persist in fighting cancer. 

Ms. Hu, a breast cancer patient from Vietnam, told her story as the “Anti-Cancer Ambassador” of this event: She was diagnosed with breast cancer during a health check-up in May this year. In the process of looking for a treatment method, she learned about minimally invasive therapy. After careful consideration, she and her family finally came to St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou. After arriving at the hospital, she has always maintained an optimistic attitude and actively cooperated with the treatment. After receiving 2 rounds of interventional therapy, Ms. Hu's condition gradually improved. So far, she has received 4 rounds of interventional therapy and her tumor markers have returned to normal.

Thai star joined in the support

A special patient was also invited in this event, whose name is Nook, a Thai star. Nook was diagnosed with thyroid cancer 4 years ago. Now the disease has recurred and lymph node metastasis has occurred, so she came to our hospital for treatment. As a female cancer patient, she understands the pain and suffering of fighting cancer. She came to the scene as a cancer patient hoping to inspire more people to fight cancer. At the event, Nook accepted the honor of “Global Anti-Cancer Ambassador” of our hospital. She encouraged all the patients present: It is indeed painful to be diagnosed with cancer, but no matter what, we must cheer up and face the reality. Since we’ve come to St. Stamford Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou, we must receive treatment seriously, embrace hope, and work hard to defeat cancer!

Although modern information is very rich, many people still lack basic knowledge about prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Ms. Hu said that when she was diagnosed with the disease, she remembered that her nipples had already had symptoms such as discharge and deformation. She expressed that if she had known the early symptoms of breast cancer earlier, she might have been able to get checked earlier and detect the disease in its early stages.

Therefore, if the prevention and treatment of breast cancer is to be deeply rooted in people's mind, the popularization of science cannot be done only in October, but also every day. The launch of breast cancer events can not only increase people's awareness of breast cancer, but also help people better understand and support breast cancer patients, and provide them with better help and care. Let’s work together to plant seed of cancer prevention into more people’s mind and better fight breast cancer.