Things to Know If You Have Concerns About Breast Cancer Screening
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in both Thailand and around the world. It accounts for approximately 23% of all cancers diagnosed in women. In Thailand, around 47 out of every 100,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.
These statistics understandably cause many women to worry—not only about the disease itself, but also about how treatment may affect their appearance, confidence, and quality of life. Fortunately, advances in medical technology now enable breast cancer to be detected at an earlier stage, when treatment is often simpler and more effective. Today, patients also have access to a wider range of treatment options that are less invasive and associated with fewer side effects than traditional therapies.
The most important step in improving the chances of successful treatment is not waiting for symptoms to appear. Being aware of the warning signs and attending regular breast cancer screening can help detect abnormalities early, when treatment is most effective.
Key Takeaways
- A breast lump, changes to the skin or nipple, nipple discharge, or a lump in the armpit may be signs of breast cancer.
- Regular breast cancer screening helps detect abnormalities early, increasing treatment options and improving the chances of successful treatment.
- Advanced breast cancer screening methods include mammography, breast ultrasound, and breast MRI, providing more accurate diagnosis for different patient needs.
- New treatment options include breast-conserving surgery and proton beam therapy, helping preserve quality of life while effectively treating cancer.
- BNH Hospital is one of the few healthcare facilities equipped to support patients who require Breast MRI and Proton Beam Therapy, delivered through our collaborative medical network.
Breast Cancer Symptoms to Watch Out For
In its early stages, breast cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms. That is why women should become familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel by checking them regularly. Examine your breasts in front of a mirror and feel for any changes while standing and lying down.
Changes to look out for include:
- A lump in the breast or armpit.
- A change in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast.
- Dimpling, puckering, or an orange peel-like texture of the breast skin.
- A nipple that becomes newly inverted, or unusual nipple discharge when you are not breastfeeding.
- Persistent breast pain or tenderness without an obvious cause.
These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have breast cancer. They may be caused by benign (non-cancerous) conditions, such as breast cysts or fibroadenomas. However, if you notice any of these changes, you should consult a doctor promptly for a thorough assessment and an accurate diagnosis.
Breast Cancer Screening Options
If you notice any of the symptoms described above, your doctor may recommend further breast examinations to determine whether the changes are caused by a benign condition, such as a cyst or fibroadenoma, or by breast cancer that requires prompt treatment.
Mammography
Mammography is a low-dose X-ray examination of the breast that can detect abnormalities such as very small lumps or tiny calcium deposits (microcalcifications), even before they can be felt. It is one of the most effective methods for detecting breast cancer at an early stage.
During the examination, each breast is gently compressed for a few seconds to produce clear, detailed images. Although some women may experience temporary discomfort, the procedure is quick and the compression lasts only a short time.
Mammography is generally recommended for women aged 40 years and over, or for younger women who have an increased risk of breast cancer, as advised by their doctor.
Breast Ultrasound
Breast ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of the breast tissue. It does not involve radiation or breast compression, making the examination comfortable and painless.
Ultrasound is often recommended for women who have a breast lump or other abnormal symptoms. It helps doctors determine whether a lump is fluid-filled (a cyst) or solid, and provides additional information about suspicious areas. It is also particularly useful for women with dense breast tissue, where mammography alone may not detect abnormalities as clearly.
Breast MRI
Breast MRI is an advanced imaging examination that uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) together with a contrast agent to produce highly detailed three-dimensional (3D) images of the breast. Unlike X-rays, MRI does not use radiation and can clearly distinguish between normal breast tissue and abnormal lesions.
Doctors often use breast MRI alongside mammography and breast ultrasound to evaluate areas that are difficult to assess with other imaging methods. It is particularly effective at detecting small or hidden cancers, helping improve the accuracy of early breast cancer diagnosis.
Who may benefit from Breast MRI?
Breast MRI may be recommended for:
- Women with a high genetic risk of breast cancer, including those with multiple close relatives diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, or a confirmed BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.
- Women with very dense breast tissue, which is more common among Asian women and can make abnormalities harder to detect on mammograms.
- Patients who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer and require a more accurate assessment of the tumour’s size, extent, or additional hidden lesions to support surgical planning.
- Women with silicone breast implants, as MRI is the most effective method for assessing breast tissue around the implants and detecting implant rupture or leakage without damaging the implants.
Where can you have Breast MRI?
Breast MRI requires specialist interpretation by an experienced breast radiologist. Accurate image analysis is essential to identify suspicious abnormalities, reduce the risk of missed cancers, and minimise unnecessary biopsies.
BNH Hospital is one of the few healthcare facilities with dedicated breast radiologists who have extensive experience in breast cancer screening and diagnosis.
Although Breast MRI is one of the most sensitive imaging techniques available, it cannot by itself confirm a diagnosis of breast cancer. Any suspicious findings must be interpreted by a specialist and, when necessary, confirmed with additional investigations such as a breast biopsy.
What should you do if you find a breast lump?
If you notice a breast lump or any other unusual breast changes, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Choosing a hospital with comprehensive diagnostic facilities, a multidisciplinary team of breast specialists, and a full range of treatment options helps ensure an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate, personalised treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Breast Cancer
Breast cancer treatment is no longer limited to chemotherapy and complete breast removal. Advances in medical care now allow treatment to be tailored to each patient’s diagnosis, stage of cancer, overall health, and personal preferences. Modern treatment options can be more targeted, helping to preserve quality of life while achieving the best possible outcomes.
Breast Conserving Surgery
More than just an organ, breasts represent a woman’s confidence. Traditionally, breast cancer surgery often involved removing the entire breast (Mastectomy). Today, many women may be suitable for breast-conserving surgery (also known as a lumpectomy), in which only the tumour and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue are removed while preserving as much of the breast as possible.
When appropriate, this approach can maintain the breast’s natural appearance while providing effective cancer treatment. Suitability depends on factors such as the size and location of the tumour, the stage of the cancer, and the ratio of tumour size to breast size. Breast-conserving surgery is usually followed by radiotherapy to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.
The Latest in Radiation Therapy: Proton Beam Therapy
For some patients, radiotherapy is an important part of breast cancer treatment. Because the breast is close to the heart and lungs, conventional X-ray radiotherapy may expose these nearby organs to a small amount of radiation, particularly when treating the left breast.
Proton Beam Therapy uses proton particles instead of X-rays. Unlike conventional radiotherapy, proton beams can be controlled to release most of their energy directly within the tumour, reducing the radiation delivered to surrounding healthy tissues.
Clinical studies have shown that Proton Beam Therapy can significantly reduce radiation exposure to the heart and lungs compared with conventional radiotherapy, potentially lowering the risk of long-term treatment-related complications in appropriately selected patients.
Who may benefit from Proton Beam Therapy?
Proton Beam Therapy may be considered for patients at any stage of breast cancer when clinically appropriate. It is particularly beneficial for:
- Patients with left-sided breast cancer, where minimising radiation exposure to the heart is especially important.
- Patients requiring radiation to the breast and nearby lymph nodes, where a larger treatment area increases the challenge of protecting healthy tissues.
- Younger patients and those with pre-existing heart or lung disease, who may benefit from reducing long-term radiation exposure.
- Selected patients with locally advanced, recurrent, or higher-risk breast cancers, where treatment planning is particularly complex.
The most appropriate treatment will always depend on an individual assessment by a radiation oncologist.
What is Proton Beam Therapy like?
Each treatment session typically takes around 30 minutes. The treatment is painless, does not involve surgery, and usually does not require an overnight hospital stay. Most patients are able to return to their normal daily activities shortly after each session.
Where can I receive Proton Beam Therapy?
Proton Beam Therapy is a highly specialised treatment that requires advanced technology and a multidisciplinary team, including radiation oncologists with specialised training in proton therapy and medical physicists who carefully plan each patient’s treatment to maximise precision while protecting healthy organs.
As Proton Beam Therapy is currently available at only a limited number of centres in Thailand, access remains restricted. Through its collaborative clinical network, BNH Breast Health Centre can coordinate referrals for eligible patients who may benefit from this advanced treatment.
Why Choose BNH Hospital for Breast Cancer Care?
With more than 128 years of experience in women’s healthcare, BNH Hospital provides comprehensive breast cancer care through its Women’s Health Centre, Breast Health Centre, and Gynaecology Centre.
From prevention and early detection to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care, every patient receives a personalised treatment plan developed by specialist physicians working alongside a multidisciplinary team. By combining clinical expertise with advanced medical technology, we provide seamless, patient-centred care at every stage of the breast cancer journey.
BNH Hospital is one of the few healthcare facilities equipped to support patients who require Breast MRI and Proton Beam Therapy, delivered through our collaborative medical network.
Interested in Breast Cancer Screening or Treatment?
The cost of breast cancer screening and treatment varies according to the recommended investigations, treatment approach, and each patient’s individual medical needs.
If you would like personalised advice, you can book a consultation with one of our breast specialists to discuss the most appropriate treatment programme for you. Please contact the BNH Breast Health Centre at 02-022-0721 BNH Breast Health Centre Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Q : What are the early signs of breast cancer?
A : In its early stages, breast cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms. Some women may discover a painless breast lump, changes to the breast skin or nipple, nipple discharge, or a lump in the armpit. As early breast cancer can develop without symptoms, regular screening is recommended, particularly for women at increased risk.
Q : How is Breast MRI different from mammography?
A : Mammography uses low-dose X-rays to detect breast abnormalities and is the standard screening test for breast cancer. Breast MRI uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a contrast agent to produce highly detailed 3D images. It is often used alongside mammography and breast ultrasound to investigate areas that are difficult to assess with other imaging methods, particularly in women with dense breast tissue or silicone breast implants.
Q : Can Breast MRI diagnose breast cancer?
A : No. Although Breast MRI is highly sensitive and can detect suspicious abnormalities, it cannot by itself confirm a diagnosis of breast cancer. Any abnormal findings must be interpreted by a specialist and, if necessary, confirmed with additional tests such as a breast biopsy.
Q : Who is suitable for breast-conserving surgery?
A : Breast-conserving surgery may be suitable for patients whose tumour size, location, and stage allow the cancer to be removed while preserving most of the breast. Suitability is assessed individually by a breast surgeon, and this approach is not appropriate for every patient.
In summary, understanding breast cancer is about more than just worrying.
- Being aware of abnormal breast changes and attending regular breast cancer screening can increase the chances of detecting the disease at an early stage, when treatment is often more effective and the chances of a successful recovery are higher.
- Today, advanced breast cancer screening methods, including mammography, breast ultrasound, and Breast MRI, enable earlier and more accurate detection. If treatment is required, modern innovations such as breast-conserving surgery and Proton Beam Therapy offer effective treatment options while helping to minimise the impact on the body and preserve quality of life.
- Ease your worries if breast cancer treatment is needed. Modern innovations like Breast MRI and Proton Beam Therapy enhance diagnostic and treatment precision while minimising the impact on your body.
Consult a breast cancer specialist.
Make an appointment or contact us for more information via LINE @BNHhospital
Breast Health Centre, 1st Floor, BNH Hospital