October is officially Breast Cancer Awareness Month in South Korea, and it’s for a serious reason: breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, not just globally but right here in Korea, too.
The stats are pretty eye-opening. According to the Korean Breast Cancer Society, the number of cases has skyrocketed from 6,237 in 2000 to over 34,000 in 2021—a massive 5.6-fold increase in just 21 years.
So, what’s behind this alarming rise? While it’s hard to pinpoint one clear cause, experts believe a mix of factors is at play. These include a more Westernized diet (high in fats and calories), rising obesity rates, delayed marriage, fewer children, reduced breastfeeding, early menstruation, and late menopause.
Government-led screening programs, which have made breast exams more accessible, have also contributed to an increase in detection rates, which could partly explain the surge in cases.
Dr. Kim Joo Hung, a breast surgeon at Yongin Severance Hospital, explains, “We don’t fully understand all the causes of breast cancer, but we know that genetics can play a role. Just look at Angelina Jolie’s case—she had preventive surgery after discovering a specific genetic mutation. For non-hereditary cases, though, the causes remain unclear.”
He adds that the shift toward a Westernized diet and hormonal imbalances in women are also likely contributors.
Given this situation, the Korean Breast Cancer Society acknowledges that although they cannot provide a complete method of prevention, adopting lifestyle habits to avoid known risk factors can help reduce the likelihood of developing breast cancer.
Research has identified several risk factors—like how long your body is exposed to estrogen, whether you’re overweight if you drink alcohol, or how much exercise you get. Family history, genetics, and hormone use (like oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy) also play a role.
According to the Korean Breast Cancer Society, certain reproductive factors also raise your risk, such as starting your period early, going through menopause later, not having children or giving birth after age 30, and not breastfeeding. On the flip side, starting your period later, early menopause, having more children, and breastfeeding can lower your chances of developing breast cancer.
They also warn that consuming 10 grams of alcohol daily, regardless of menopausal status, increases the risk of breast cancer by 7-10%. Alcohol raises the levels of estrogen and androgen in the body, which can contribute to the development of breast cancer.
Ten grams of alcohol can be found in 25 mL of 40% whiskey, 40 mL of 25% soju, 85 mL of wine, or 250 mL of beer.
Although complete prevention isn’t possible, early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes since survival rates vary greatly by stage.
For instance, the five-year overall survival rates after surgery show 98.3% for stage 0, 96.6% for stage 1, 91.8% for stage 2, 75.8% for stage 3, and only 34% for stage 4. Patients in the early stages (0, 1, and 2) enjoy survival rates exceeding 90%, while those with stage 4, which indicates metastasis, see their rates drop to around 30%. That’s why doctors emphasize regular screenings and self-exams.
Dr. Kim underscored the importance of adhering to national cancer screening guidelines, recommending that women get mammograms every two years. He emphasized that this is a vital practice for early detection. Dr. Kim also advised women to perform self-exams about a week after menstruation, when the breasts are least swollen.
So, what should you look out for during a self-exam? Lumps are the obvious red flag. “While a lump might just be normal breast tissue, it could also be a tumor,” warns Dr. Kim. Don’t hesitate to see a breast surgeon if you feel something suspicious.
Pay attention to nipple discharge, too. If you notice any bloody or reddish fluid, it could indicate cancer in the milk ducts. Changes in your breasts’ shape are another clue—look for asymmetry, sunken areas, or skin that looks inflamed or resembles the texture of an orange peel.
Dr. Kim explains that the breast is supported by Cooper’s ligaments, like the ribs of an umbrella holding everything in place. A tumor invading these ligaments can cause noticeable pulling or sinking in the breast’s appearance.
He concluded that it’s advisable to have a mammogram every two years and perform self-exams monthly after menstruation. If anything suspicious is noticed, medical attention should be sought.