Campaign says mastectomy not necessary

A breast protection day "2021 Run for Her Family" was launched to spread public awareness of keeping breast while treating breast cancer in Shanghai on Sunday.

The campaign was jointly initiated by the breast cancer commission of China Anti-Cancer Association, Beijing Love Book Cancer Foundation, the rehabilitation branch of China Anti-Cancer Association and Roche China.

China recorded 416,000 new female breast cancer patients in 2020 and the disease is the top threat for female cancer sufferers. As many as 88 percent of the Chinese breast cancer patients choose to remove their breasts in order to root out the disease, with physical and psychological scars remaining as well.

Wu Jiong, professor of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, said keeping breasts is recommended for patients whose breasts may remain in shape after the operation, especially the early cancer patients. The recurrence rate among those keeping breasts is no higher than those choosing to remove them, said Wu.

Shi Anli, president of LBCF and director of the rehabilitation branch of China Anti-Cancer Association, urged breast cancer patients and public to focus more on leading a better life after being cured rather than trying to stay alive.

Li Bin, in charge if medical science and individualized medicine at Roche China, said Roche will consistently invest in breast cancer prevention and treatment in China after six years of supporting the "Run for Her Family" campaign.