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Model Rebuilds Confidence After Breast Cancer Surgery in Taiwan

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A Taiwanese model successfully underwent breast reconstruction surgery after battling cancer, regaining her confidence.
  • Doctors emphasize that modern breast cancer treatment prioritizes not only survival but also the patient's appearance and quality of life.
  • Early detection through regular screenings remains crucial, as early-stage breast cancer has a high survival rate.

Model Chen Ching-yu has shared her journey of overcoming breast cancer, highlighting the transformative power of modern surgical techniques that allow for breast reconstruction immediately after cancer removal. This approach helps patients maintain their self-esteem and quality of life during and after treatment.

Modern breast cancer treatment seeks not only to cure the disease but also to preserve the patient's appearance and confidence.

— Dr. Chiang Kun-chunVice president of Tianxiang Hospital, explaining the goals of contemporary breast cancer treatment.

Chen, a social media influencer, discovered her cancer during a routine check-up. While initially fearful of losing her breast and her sense of self, she opted for a minimally invasive lumpectomy combined with immediate reconstruction. She found the period between diagnosis and the start of treatment to be the most challenging, filled with uncertainty and fear. However, taking the first step towards treatment proved less daunting than anticipated.

Dr. Chiang Kun-chun, vice president of Tianxiang Hospital in Taoyuan, explained that breast cancer is the leading cancer among Taiwanese women, with approximately 17,000 new cases annually. Despite the high survival rates for early-stage cancer, many women still fear the disfigurement associated with mastectomy. He stressed that current treatments aim not just to cure the disease but also to preserve the patient's appearance and confidence, enabling a quicker return to normal life.

The most difficult part was not the treatment itself, but the period of unknown and fear between diagnosis and the start of treatment.

— Chen Ching-yuModel Chen Ching-yu reflecting on her experience with breast cancer.

Dr. Chiang urged women to remain vigilant, as early-stage breast cancer often presents without pain. He advised seeking medical attention for any breast lump, changes in appearance, nipple retraction, or unusual discharge. High-risk individuals, including those with a family history of breast cancer, early menarche, late menopause, obesity, or heavy alcohol consumption, should adhere to regular screening schedules. Mammography remains the most effective method for reducing breast cancer mortality, with the government offering free screenings every two years for women aged 40 to 74.

Painlessness does not mean there is no problem. If you find any abnormalities in your breasts, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

— Dr. Chiang Kun-chunDr. Chiang Kun-chun advising women on the importance of regular breast self-examinations and check-ups.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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