Beginner in Game Development, Which Engine Should I Use? Comparison of Unity vs Unreal vs Godot (Focusing on Free Engines) Choosing a Game Engine: Know This First: 5 Key Q&A Q1. What is a Game Engine? Is it necessary to use one? A. Think of a game engine as a set of development tools that bundles essential functions required for making games, similar to a car engine. It includes features like rendering graphics on-screen ( Rendering ), physics effects for characters colliding with walls or jumping ( Physics Engine ), and playing background music or sound effects ( Audio System ). While it's possible to create a game from scratch without an engine, it requires an immense amount of time and effort, which is why most developers today use game engines, especially beginners! Q2. I want to start game development; are there any good free engines available? A. Yes,...
Everything About Breast Cancer: From Early Signals to the Journey of 'Cure'
Breast Cancer: What You Should Know First - 5 Key Q&A
Q1. How common is breast cancer?
It is the most common cancer among women worldwide. In 2022 alone, approximately 670,000 people are estimated to have died from breast cancer. It can rarely occur in men (about 0.5-1%).
Q2. Are the early symptoms always a painful lump?
No, in fact, painless lumps are more common. Other signs include skin dimpled like orange peel, retracted nipples, or discharge. However, many cases show no symptoms, making regular check-ups extremely important.
Q3. At what age should I start breast cancer screenings, and how often?
The guidelines vary by country. For example, the USPSTF in the United States recommends biennial mammograms for women aged 40 to 74 starting in 2024. It’s best to consult with a doctor considering your age and family history to make the most accurate decision.
Q4. How good is the prognosis if detected early?
There is a significant difference. In fact, due to advances in early diagnosis and treatment methods, the breast cancer mortality rate has decreased by about 44% since 1989. If detected at the local stage before spreading, the 5-year survival rate is over 99%, indicating a very favorable prognosis.
Q5. Does treatment vary significantly depending on types like 'triple-negative' or 'HER2 positive'?
Yes, it changes completely. Breast cancer is no longer viewed as 'one disease' but rather divided into various types based on genetic characteristics like hormone receptors (HR) or HER2. Treatment options such as hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are combined to provide the most suitable treatment for each individual.
The weight of the word 'cancer' is daunting for everyone. However, 'breast cancer' seems to hold a different position. The anxiety stemming from the fact that it is the most common cancer among women coexists with a hopeful message that, due to advancements in early detection and treatment, we can 'fight and overcome it together.' Instead of vague fear, we need to confront the true face of breast cancer and understand the journey. From recognizing the small signals our bodies send to making informed decisions in front of numerous treatment options, today, we will walk this long journey together through data and real patient experiences.
Signals from My Body: Early Symptoms Not to Miss
One of the biggest characteristics of breast cancer is that there are often no symptoms in the early stages. Therefore, being aware of 'changes from the norm' is crucial. If you notice any of the following changes persisting for several weeks, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.
Palpable lump: This is the most common symptom, but usually, there is no pain.
Skin changes: Skin may dimple or thicken like orange peel, and wrinkles may appear.
Nipple changes: The nipple may retract (become inverted), have bloody discharge, or the skin may peel.
Other symptoms: Swelling in the breast, feeling of warmth, or lumps felt in the armpit or below the collarbone.
From Diagnosis to Treatment: The Standard Journey Flow
When you visit a hospital with suspicious symptoms, imaging tests and biopsies are conducted to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. This process is akin to piecing together a complex puzzle.
Step 1: Diagnosis and Staging Mammograms or ultrasounds, and if necessary, MRIs are used to check the location and size of the lesion. The most important confirmatory test, the 'biopsy,' analyzes the type and characteristics of the cancer cells (hormone receptors, HER2, etc.). Based on these results, the cancer's 'subtype' and stage (TNM) are determined.
Step 2: Surgery This is the most basic treatment, which involves physically removing the cancerous tissue. If the cancer is small and well-located, a 'breast-conserving surgery' is performed to remove the cancer and some surrounding tissue; otherwise, a 'mastectomy' is performed to remove the entire breast.
Step 3: Adjuvant Therapy This treatment aims to eliminate any residual micro-cancer cells that may remain post-surgery and prevent recurrence. At this stage, the cancer's 'subtype' becomes important. If hormone receptor positive, hormone therapy is administered; if HER2 positive, anti-HER2 targeted therapy; and for triple-negative breast cancer, chemotherapy including immunotherapy is conducted, selecting the most suitable weapons for the individual.
Episode: The Journey of 42-Year-Old Office Worker Jeong Hye-in
42-year-old office worker Jeong Hye-in discovered a 9mm breast cancer during a routine check-up. There were no symptoms at all. Fortunately, because it was detected early, she was able to undergo breast-conserving surgery, and the biopsy results showed hormone receptor positive (HR+), HER2 negative. After completing surgery and radiation therapy, she is currently receiving hormone therapy on a 5-year plan. "At first, the diagnosis was terrifying, but following the systematic treatment plan, I found myself back to my daily life. The check-up saved my life."
But why do some breast cancers seem harder to treat?
In-Depth Exploration: Why is Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Particularly Challenging?
One of the names breast cancer patients fear the most is 'Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC).' It accounts for about 10-15% of all breast cancers, but why is this cancer considered particularly difficult and tricky?
As the name suggests, triple-negative breast cancer refers to cases where all three important markers are negative (-) when analyzed. These three are Estrogen Receptor (ER), Progesterone Receptor (PR), and HER2. Most other breast cancers have at least one of these three as positive (+), allowing for the use of effective weapons (hormonal therapies or anti-HER2 targeted therapies) to attack those markers.
However, triple-negative breast cancer lacks clear markers to target, making these targeted therapies ineffective. For a time, the only option was 'cytotoxic chemotherapy.' Additionally, compared to other subtypes, the cancer cells grow faster and have a higher risk of recurrence, making it a more challenging opponent. Fortunately, recent advancements have introduced 'immunotherapy (like Pembrolizumab)' for treating triple-negative breast cancer, showing groundbreaking results when used in conjunction with chemotherapy before and after surgery, significantly improving survival rates.
Episode: The Story of Choi Min-seo, Who Overcame Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at a young age, Choi Min-seo initially felt lost. "I was really despairing when I heard there were no targeted therapies." However, her doctor suggested the latest treatment method, combining immunotherapy. It was a tough chemotherapy process, but she saw a dramatic reduction in tumor size through pre-surgery chemotherapy and continued to receive adjuvant immunotherapy to lower the risk of recurrence. "The new medication felt like a ray of hope for me. Now, I'm back to health and sharing hope with other patients like me."
Life After Treatment (FAQ)
Q. Is ongoing management necessary even after treatment?
Yes, indeed. Regular check-ups and examinations are essential to monitor for recurrence or secondary cancers after successful treatment. Additionally, due to potential side effects from hormone therapy or chemotherapy, such as osteoporosis or decreased heart function, management for these issues should also be implemented.
Q. Do healthy lifestyle habits help prevent recurrence?
They are very helpful. Regular exercise (at least 150 minutes of aerobic and strength training weekly), maintaining a healthy weight, abstaining from alcohol, and not smoking are known to lower recurrence rates and improve overall health. These are key factors in enhancing the quality of life after treatment.
Q. What is 'lymphedema' and how should it be managed?
If lymph nodes are removed from the armpit during surgery, 'lymphedema' may occur due to impaired lymph fluid circulation in the arm, causing swelling. Care must be taken to avoid heavy lifting or injuries to the arm, and management such as wearing compression stockings or professional massage may be necessary. It is crucial to receive related education at the hospital after surgery.
Author Information: The content of this article has been compiled based on objective information, cross-referencing the official guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), the American Cancer Society (ACS), and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), as well as the latest academic research results regarding breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient journeys.
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