Compared with the decline in incidence of other cancers, the number of breast cancer patients has been climbing in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing and some other cities in recent years.

Breast cancer was not common in China at one time. However, doctors estimate that the number of breast cancer patients jumped 51 per cent over the past 25 years.

According to statistics from the Shanghai Tumor Hospital of Fudan University, an average of 100 to 150 women received treatment at the hospital for breast cancer each year in the early 1990s, sharply lower than last year's figure of about 400.

Since women are better educated about the symptoms of breast cancer, more patients are found in the early stages. But the total number is still increasing. Breast cancer causes more deaths than any other form of cancer in women under 55.

The causes of breast cancer are believed to be complex and include genetics, lifestyle and environment.

Only about five to 10 percent of breast cancer is thought to be genetically caused. However, scientists warn that women with family history of breast cancer are at greater risk than other women.

In another development, scientists found high estrogen levels may have negative effects.

The abuse of contraceptives, cosmetics or skin care products with large amounts of estrogen, and the intake of meat of the animal or birds fed with estrogen can cause a high level of the hormone in the body.

Also, women who experience early menopause or are obese, and those who have never given birth to or breast-fed babies, have higher risks.

The good news is that breast cancer has a very high cure rate, with 97 per cent of women surviving for 5 years if the cancer is diagnosed early.

About 80 per cent of women discover they have breast cancer after finding a lump in the breast. If you do find a suspicious lump, it's still best to call your doctor right away.

Doctors say early detection is crucial, and you need to learn the right way to examine your breasts each month.

Many women discover breast lumps themselves, either by accident or while performing a self-examination.

Breast X-ray and mammogram are more accurate ways to detect small or deep lumps. And doctors suggest the examination should be taken at least once a year.

Once the lump is found, doctors will determine whether it's cancerous. If so, a biopsy or ultrasound will be performed to determine if it has spread.

Treatment may include surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.

Chinese patients at advanced stage of breast cancer may benefit from a new chemotherapy medicine called Xeloda. Doctors believe that it is effective and has less side effects than the average chemotherapy.

Breast self-exam is the first line of defense against the cancer and should be done every month.

Step 1: Look at your breasts

1. Stand in front of a mirror. Check the size, shape, color, direction of your breasts and nipples.

2. Raise your arms over your head and look at your breasts when turning slowly from side to side.

3. Put hands on hips and push your shoulder forward. Watch the breasts.

Step 2: Touch with your hands.

1. Stand in front of a mirror. Use the left hand to touch the right breast. Moisten the tips of three fingers with body lotion. Starting at the nipple, apply firm pressure and move your fingertips in small circles as you covering all the breast area.

2. Extend the examination to the breast tissue under the arms.

Take the same examination for the opposite breast.

3. Lie down and raise one arm above the head. Check the breast area including nipples.

(Shanghai Star 04/16/2001)