However, according to oncology experts, breast cancer is one of the cancers with the most favorable prognosis. When detected at an early stage, the cure rate can exceed 90%.

Risk Factors That Should Not Be Overlooked

Every woman is at risk of developing breast cancer, but the risk is higher among individuals with the following factors:

Early onset of menstruation (before the age of 12) or late menopause (after the age of 55).
Having no children, giving birth to the first child after the age of 30, or not breastfeeding.
Having a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with a history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer.
Being overweight or obese after menopause.
Physical inactivity, smoking, or excessive alcohol consumption.

Breast Self-Examination for Early Detection

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Cam Phuong, Director of the Nuclear Medicine and Oncology Center at Bach Mai Hospital, recommends that women perform breast self-examinations once a month, ideally about five days after the end of their menstrual period.

Women should seek medical evaluation promptly if they notice any of the following warning signs:

A hard lump with irregular borders in the breast or underarm area.
Unusual changes in the size or shape of either breast.
Skin dimpling, puckering, or an orange-peel appearance of the breast skin.
Inverted nipples, scaling of the nipple skin, or abnormal nipple discharge, especially bloody discharge.

Advanced Technology for Detecting Early-Stage Breast Lesions

Many early-stage or preclinical breast cancer lesions cannot be detected through manual examination alone. Therefore, regular screening plays a crucial role in the early detection of breast cancer.

At the Nuclear Medicine and Oncology Center, Bach Mai Hospital, the Breast Cancer Screening Package (estimated cost: VND 1,926,000) utilizes advanced diagnostic technologies, including:

Bilateral Mammography

Mammography is considered the gold standard for breast cancer screening. It can detect tiny microcalcifications—often the earliest signs of breast cancer—that may be missed by ultrasound examinations.

Bilateral Breast Ultrasound

Breast ultrasound helps evaluate cystic and solid lesions and is particularly effective for Asian women, who typically have denser breast tissue.

Experts emphasize that the earlier breast cancer is detected, the higher the likelihood of successful treatment. Early diagnosis also helps reduce treatment costs, minimize the need for complex interventions, and improve patients' quality of life.