Breast
Breast cancer is the number one cancer in incidence among Hong Kong females and ranks third in cancer mortality. The incidence of female breast cancer rises abruptly after the age of 25 and peaks at 65. While some breast cancers are screen-detected, others possess symptoms of breast pain, lumps, skin changes or discharge around the nipples. Risk factors for breast cancer have been identified and patients harboring them and experiencing breast symptoms should seek prompt surgical consultation. These risk factors are:
- Being female
- Increasing age
- A personal history of breast cancer
- A family history of breast cancer
- Inherited genes that increase cancer risk
- Radiation exposure
- Obesity
- Prolong female hormone (estrogen) exposure
- Alcohol.
