Do I Need Chemotherapy for Early Stage Breast Cancer?
Is chemotherapy necessary? Stage I breast cancer, partial mastectomy, PR negative, ER positive (90%), Her-2/neu protein: without overexpression (score 1+), Ki-67: ~15% labeling index, 50 years old, perimenopausal, tumor size less than 1 cm (0.8 x 0.7 x 0.6), nuclear grade: 3, no ...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Dear Ms. Wu, Breast cancer treatment primarily involves surgical intervention, with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy as adjuncts. For Stage I: when the tumor is less than two centimeters and has not metastasized beyond the breast, surgical removal of the br...[Read More] Do I Need Chemotherapy for Early Stage Breast Cancer?
Nutrition Myths: Pineapple and Lemon for Early Breast Cancer Patients
Diet for Breast Cancer Regarding early-stage breast cancer patients undergoing hormone therapy and radiation treatment, is it true that consuming pineapple and lemon is said to have excellent effects on controlling the condition? According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, pineapp...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello PAC, I hope this message finds you well. 1. For early-stage breast cancer patients undergoing hormone therapy and radiation treatment, there are widespread claims that consuming pineapple and lemon can significantly help control the condition. Is this true? A: This is not...[Read More] Nutrition Myths: Pineapple and Lemon for Early Breast Cancer Patients
Can Breast Cancer Survivors Safely Return to Weight Training?
Can I go to the gym for weight training after breast surgery? Hello, Doctor. I am a stage 0 breast cancer patient. I underwent a partial mastectomy on my left side in December last year and completed radiation therapy in March this year. Some people have advised me to avoid exert...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
My patient, Xiaoya, has undergone axillary lymph node dissection and received radiation therapy. 1. Holding her grandchild 2. Sewing under pressure 3. Lifting heavy objects, such as a basket of vegetables, has caused her to experience persistent edema, which may eventually resolv...[Read More] Can Breast Cancer Survivors Safely Return to Weight Training?
Navigating Treatment Options for Bone Metastasis in Breast Cancer
Treatment issues for bone metastases in breast cancer? Hello Doctor, In mid-March of this year, I was diagnosed with bone metastasis from breast cancer (the metastatic areas range from the skull to the left foot, with larger metastases in the left hip and left pelvis). Currently...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. So how should one choose correctly? Some breast cancer patients with bone metastasis have survived for 5 years. I don't understand if it's due to: A) You have already used many types of medications, leaving no options available now; B) Your physical condition cannot ...[Read More] Navigating Treatment Options for Bone Metastasis in Breast Cancer
Understanding Breast Cancer: Survival Rates, Treatment, and Lifestyle Factors
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) Hello, I apologize for the additional questions. May I ask about the 10-year cure rate of 95%? What happens after those 10 years? If the patient is currently 50 years old, and the average life expectancy in our country is around 79 years, does this...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
PAC / 20 years old / Male Hello, 1. What about 10 years later? Does it mean that the survival rate will decrease significantly after 10 years? A: No, in terms of this disease, the survival curve after ten years should be similar to that of the general population. However, I a...[Read More] Understanding Breast Cancer: Survival Rates, Treatment, and Lifestyle Factors
Understanding Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: Treatment, Survival, and Lifestyle Tips
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) Hello, my family member was recently diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). I would like to ask if this is considered cancer? What is the cure rate? Does "cure" mean complete recovery? What dietary, nutritional, and lifestyle cha...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Hello: 1. Is this cancer? A: Yes, it is cancer, but some insurance plans do not cover well-treatable in situ cancers. 2. Is the cure rate high? A: If proper treatment is received, the ten-year survival rate can reach ninety-five percent. 3. Does cure mean complete recovery? A: Th...[Read More] Understanding Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: Treatment, Survival, and Lifestyle Tips
Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer and Left Neck Tumors: Key Concerns
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma with a left-sided posterior neck mass? Hello Dr. Chen, My mother is 64 years old and was diagnosed with stage II nasopharyngeal carcinoma 23 years ago. She underwent cobalt-60 radiation therapy at that time, and her condition has been under control sinc...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Zhao / 32 / 1 Hello! 1.1 The medical history has lasted for 23 years, with regular check-ups and blood tests at the hospital every year showing no issues. Is there a high chance that this tumor is due to a recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma? A: The likelihood is low, but ...[Read More] Understanding Nasopharyngeal Cancer and Left Neck Tumors: Key Concerns
Debunking Myths: Do Cancer Treatments Really Accelerate Tumor Growth?
The internet is spreading misinformation regarding cancer treatment (forwarded from the Minister's mailbox)? Hello, may I ask if the following shared content is accurate information? The United States has finally acknowledged that surgery or chemotherapy can actually acceler...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Miss: Please do not trust reports circulating on the internet regarding cancer treatment. It is important to follow the diagnosis and judgment of professional physicians. Many reports are not accurate, so please discuss with a qualified doctor. ~Changhua Hospital cares abo...[Read More] Debunking Myths: Do Cancer Treatments Really Accelerate Tumor Growth?
Understanding Pleural Effusion in Breast Cancer: Symptoms and Treatment Options
About breast cancer causing pleural effusion? I would like to ask: Seven years ago, a relative was diagnosed with a tumor in the chest, which was surgically removed and followed by chemotherapy. Recently, they suddenly started experiencing shortness of breath while walking and pe...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Is this considered lung cancer? A: This is breast cancer with lung metastasis. 2. Additionally, recently it has become more severe; after taking the medication (XELODA) prescribed by the doctor, I experience intermittent sharp pain and numbness on the left side of my abdomen...[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion in Breast Cancer: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Understanding Breast Lumps: Should You Worry About Cancer?
There is a lump in the breast? Hello, doctor! When I was in the 5th and 6th grades, I noticed a hard lump in my nipple. By the time I was in the 2nd year of junior high, it hadn't changed much (it grew very slowly). However, in the 3rd year of junior high, I felt that it see...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: Breast tumors are classified into benign tumors and malignant tumors. A definitive diagnosis still requires examination at a hospital. You can visit our Radiation Oncology Department, or the Breast Surgery or General Surgery departments for further evaluation. ~Changhua Ho...[Read More] Understanding Breast Lumps: Should You Worry About Cancer?
Understanding CA-153 Levels: What to Do When It's 50.1 in an 86-Year-Old
CA-153 level is 50.1? My mother recently had a health check-up and her CA 15-3 level was found to be 50.1. Given her advanced age of 86, how should we proceed with this situation? She currently has a history of hypertension and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Chuo / 55 / CA 15-3 is commonly used clinically for breast cancer, third trimester of pregnancy, some patients with cirrhosis, more active lung cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and endometrial cancer, among others. It may sometimes also cause a slight increase in CA 1...[Read More] Understanding CA-153 Levels: What to Do When It's 50.1 in an 86-Year-Old
Understanding Potential Lymph Node Metastasis in Breast Cancer Patients
Suspected metastasis of breast cancer to the cervical lymph nodes? Hello Dr. Chen, my mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer for eleven years. Initially, she underwent a total mastectomy of the right breast and axillary lymph nodes, but did not receive chemotherapy. She has...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Ms. Chen / 41 / If a biopsy is not performed, what potential scenarios could arise if it turns out to be malignant? 1. If it is malignant, recurrence and metastasis could occur, leading to various symptoms that cannot be cured without treatment, which would continue to trouble he...[Read More] Understanding Potential Lymph Node Metastasis in Breast Cancer Patients
Is It Safe to Consider Cancer Recovery After Three Years of Monitoring?
After three years of monitoring and having the artificial blood vessel removed, can it be considered healed? Hello: A family member has been diagnosed with stage II peritoneal cancer, has undergone tumor resection, and completed chemotherapy. It has been three years of follow-up,...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
Anonymous / 29 / 1 Hello, 1. Regarding artificial blood vessels, generally, if there is no recurrence within 2-3 years, they can be removed, regardless of whether it is breast cancer or colorectal cancer. This aligns with standard treatment protocols; however, the possibility o...[Read More] Is It Safe to Consider Cancer Recovery After Three Years of Monitoring?
Understanding Stage IV Colorectal Cancer: Monitoring and Treatment Insights
Stage III colorectal cancer with metastasis to the lungs is classified as Stage IV? Hello Doctor: 1. I was diagnosed with stage III cancer in 1998. After surgery, my CEA level was 0.19, consistently ranging from 0.16 to 0.19. After undergoing 12 sessions of chemotherapy over si...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. (Why) It may not be possible to explain why some tumors have elevated CA19-9 levels, some have elevated CEA levels, some have both elevated, and some have neither. Monitoring can involve testing just one marker or both. 2. There is certainly a chance of metastasis within thr...[Read More] Understanding Stage IV Colorectal Cancer: Monitoring and Treatment Insights
Understanding Brain Metastasis from Breast Cancer: Treatment and Prognosis
Breast cancer metastasis to the brain? Hello: My mother was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer two years ago and underwent a complete mastectomy. However, in August of this year, brain metastasis was discovered, and she also had surgery to remove it. Around November, she began ...
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
The metastasis of breast cancer to the brain depends on the behavior of the breast cancer tumor itself.[Read More] Understanding Brain Metastasis from Breast Cancer: Treatment and Prognosis
Understanding Post-Surgery Pain in Breast Cancer Patients: What to Expect
Post-surgery for breast cancer Hello Doctor: My mother is 59 years old. In June of this year, a hard lump was found in her left breast, which was diagnosed as breast cancer with metastasis to the lymph nodes. She underwent surgery to remove both the tumor and the lymph nodes. How...
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
It may be beneficial to seek assistance from a rehabilitation specialist for issues arising from the surgery.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Pain in Breast Cancer Patients: What to Expect
Post-Surgery Treatment Options for Stage 0 Breast Cancer Patients
Breast cancer treatment Dear Doctor: For a patient with stage 0 carcinoma in situ (tumor size 3 cm, postoperative lymph node involvement less than 1%, chromosomal abnormalities 1-9%) who has undergone a total mastectomy, is there still a need for further treatment (such as 5 year...
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
It may depend on the status of the hormone receptors.[Read More] Post-Surgery Treatment Options for Stage 0 Breast Cancer Patients
Should Breast Cancer Patients Avoid Fermented Foods Like Yogurt?
Should breast cancer patients limit their intake of fermented foods? What about yogurt? Hello Doctor: My mother is 68 years old. She was diagnosed with breast cancer last August, which recurred (she had a mastectomy and chemotherapy 11 years ago). Recent examinations show that th...
Dr. Chen Sirong Reply:
1. Fermented foods refer to products made using fermentation agents, such as steamed rice cakes. 2. Yogurt is not considered a fermented food. 3. Yogurt is simply an acidified food. 4. The beneficial bacteria added to yogurt are not the same as those found in fermentation a...[Read More] Should Breast Cancer Patients Avoid Fermented Foods Like Yogurt?
Understanding Positive HBC in Breast Cancer Recurrence and Treatment Options
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive in blood? In the context of breast cancer recurrence during chemotherapy, a positive Hepatitis B Core (HBC) test indicates that the patient has been exposed to the Hepatitis B virus. This does not necessarily mean that there is a metas...
Dr. Fan Sheng Reply:
CKYC: I’m sorry, but I’m hesitant to guess what the abbreviation HBC stands for, so I cannot provide an answer at this time.[Read More] Understanding Positive HBC in Breast Cancer Recurrence and Treatment Options
Understanding Recurrence in Breast Cancer: Treatment Options and Prognosis
Please provide information regarding the medication used for the recurrence of breast cancer? Hello Doctor: In November 2000, I was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer (T1N0M0) and underwent breast-conserving surgery followed by four cycles of chemotherapy (Adriamycin) and 30 se...
Dr. Chen Junyi Reply:
1. It is likely related to issues with the pathological examination at that time, or the degeneration of cancer cells. 2. As for the subsequent treatment and prognosis, it may depend on the patient's response to the medication. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Recurrence in Breast Cancer: Treatment Options and Prognosis