Fear of examinations and treatment can lead some breast cancer patients to delay seeking medical care. A 61-year-old woman in Taipei discovered a breast lump but did not undergo further examination. Over three years, the tumor continued to grow. She sought treatment only after her breast became visibly deformed and was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer. Chen Yen-Ya, an attending surgeon at Taipei City Hospital Zhongxing Branch, said that early detection and treatment usually provide more treatment options.

The woman first noticed a small lump in her right breast about three years ago. Because she had a family history of breast cancer and had seen relatives undergo surgery and chemotherapy, she became fearful of the disease and treatment process. Even as the lump grew larger and caused visible breast deformation, she did not seek medical attention.

In April this year, encouraged and accompanied by family members, she visited the Breast Surgery Department at Taipei City Hospital Zhongxing Branch. Examinations confirmed stage II breast cancer. Fortunately, no metastasis was found in lymph nodes, the liver, lungs, bones, or other distant organs.

The medical team performed a total mastectomy on the right breast. Due to the tumor's large size, part of the surrounding skin tissue also had to be removed. The surgery was completed successfully, and no lymph node metastasis was found afterward. She will continue to receive follow-up treatment.

Doctors noted that some patients delay seeking care because they fear examinations or treatment. If breast lumps, changes in appearance, or abnormal discharge are detected, medical evaluation should be sought as early as possible.