5871 University Ave, Ste 334
San Diego, CA 92115
Ph: 619-582-2360; Fax: 619-582-2297;
E-mail: btran.aphc@sbcglobal.net

Breast Cancer in Asian Women
Ton D. Tran, MD and Binh N. Tran, PharmD

In the USA, breast cancer is the most frequent cancer types seen in women. In 2002, 203,500 persons were affected and 39,600 persons died. According to the National Cancer Institute, one woman in eight will be affected, and the number increases with age, especially above 40 years of age. Risks are higher in families where the mother or sisters have breast cancer.
In the Asian Communities, statistics from 1992 to 2000 show that the disease increases 2.1% each year. The causes of the disease are still unclear. Breast cancer appears most frequently in the Chinese population, followed by the Vietnamese population. The incidence is higher in Asian women living in the USA for a long time.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer:
There are very few symptoms. Cancer can be detected when the examination shows a mass of about one centimeter (1cm). The skin of the breast may be wrinkled, inflamed or reddened. When the disease has progressed, ganglions may appear in the armpits or neck. Many women do not know that they have cancer until the disease is at an advanced stage.

Detection of Breast Cancer:
Early detection can save lives. This can be done by:

1. Self breast examinations

2. Breast examination by physicians or physician assistants

3. Mammograms.
   
   When doing mammogram correctly and at periodic intervals, breast cancer can be detected very early, when the disease just starts. This is a simple screening test, giving a slight inconvenience for one minute only.
   Women aged 40 and over should have a mammogram every one or two years.

Not all masses are cancerous. Mammograms or sonograms of the breast help differentiate between the types of non-cancerous masses. Further procedures are needed to confirm breast cancer before treating. Three methods are possible:

1. Using needle and radiography

2. Open surgical biopsy

3. Surgery to remove the mass and testing on the spot.

Treatment of Breast cancer:
If the cancer is detected early, surgery of the mass may cure the disease. Radiotherapy as well as chemotherapy can be used to destroy cancerous cells when the disease has spread to other locations.
In all cases, the patient should be monitored regularly by the physician.

Conclusion:
All women are reminded to have breast exams and mammograms regularly. The breast cancers can be detected at an early stage, and lives can be saved.
The Asian Pacific Health Center has a program for Free Breast Examinations and Mammograms for women (if eligible). Please call

Asian Pacific Health Center
5871 University Ave Ste #334
San Diego, CA 9211, Ph: 619-582-2360