Pink Ribbon Campaign to promote understanding and breast awareness about breast cancer

Let's learn about breast cancer

Breast cancer increases from the late 30s onwards, and women in their 40s and above are especially susceptible, and in rare cases, men have cases as well. It is said that approximately 1 in 9 women in Japan will develop breast cancer, but if detected early, the cure rate is high, so daily self-checks and screenings are important!

Be aware of your own signs

Check the shape and feel of your breasts on a daily basis. There may be small changes. If you have any concerns, please visit a medical institution and ask the doctor.

Make self-checks a routine

When changing clothes in front of the mirror or during bath time, it's perfect for self-checking! Touching your breast with soapy hands will make it easier to see the lump. Don't forget to check your armpits too.

Let's tell someone

Because I want your loved one to stay healthy forever. Why not talk quietly to your best friend, family member, or partner? About breast cancer and health.

Let's expand our circle of support

The person living with breast cancer is the person and everyone who cares about that person. Expand your circle of support so that you can stay close to your concerns and worries and keep moving forward during your treatment.

With fashion on your side

If you are concerned about your appearance due to anti-cancer treatment, etc., we recommend using accessories such as scarves and hats, as well as clothing with loose silhouettes. Please don't give up on your own style of fashion.

Yu Hozumi (hereinafter referred to as YH):There is an in-house distribution that introduces the activities of the entire company, and that is where I first learned about the Pink Ribbon Movement. Since then, my wife and I have started talking about breast cancer, but just like women's periods, it's difficult for men to ask if they've been screened for breast cancer. I feel that this is a difficult topic to approach.
Etsuko Meguro (hereinafter referred to as EM)): I undergo breast cancer screening every year as part of my company's health checkup, but we hardly ever talk about it at home.
Taro Kusano (hereinafter referred to as TK): It is now said that one in nine Japanese women (*1) will develop breast cancer. The most common people are people between the ages of 40 and 60.

E.M.:I will soon be 40 years old, and this will also apply to me.
T.K.: Also, cases of breast cancer under the age of 34 are called young-onset breast cancer.
YH:My wife is 32 years old and is exactly from that generation.
T.K.:In order to deepen our understanding of breast cancer, why not start by talking about these numbers?
E.M.：Having a partner interested in something is a great support for women.

E.M.: I'm worried about how my hair, nails, and of course my breasts will change if I get breast cancer.
T.K.:There are countermeasures to the visual problem called appearance. For example, if you lose hair due to chemotherapy treatment, you can enjoy wearing a wig or very short hair, or if your nails become discolored, try painting them with colorful nails. Breast reconstruction that brings the breasts closer to their original shape is also possible. Life is what matters, so don't just be afraid of change, and make treatment your top priority.
E.M.:What methods are available for breast reconstruction?
T.K.: There are three types of reconstruction: reconstruction using artificial silicone, reconstruction using autologous tissue from the abdomen or back, and reconstruction using fat injection. First of all, silicone reconstruction puts a strain on the skin in contact with the silicone in breast cancer patients, so maintenance such as replacing it is necessary. In addition, although autologous tissue reconstruction takes time and is a heavy burden, it easily adapts to the body and eventually becomes maintenance-free.

These two are covered by insurance. Although fat injection reconstruction is not covered by insurance, it can be performed as a day surgery, is less stressful to the body, and requires almost no maintenance. I specialize in this reconstruction method.
YH：What is the breast reconstruction rate?
T.K.:Before the coronavirus pandemic, the rate in Tokyo for people who had a complete removal was about 30-35%.
E.M.:It's lower than I expected.
T.K.: It tends to be more common in urban areas and less common in rural areas. In the first place, there are few hospitals in rural areas that can be rebuilt.
E.M.: Can I also hear the impressions of those who have rebuilt it?
T.K.：Many people at my clinic are satisfied. I hear people say that their breasts have returned to an even balance on both sides, making it easier to balance their body, or that they now have more confidence to go to the gym, take a hot spring, or wear light clothes in the summer. If you lose your breasts, you tend to lose your confidence as well.

YH: After hearing your story today, I felt like talking about breast cancer again with my wife. Can your doctor give you any advice on how to help your partner go into the checkup with a positive mindset?
T.K.: Breast cancer is a disease that can help you live a long life if detected and treated early. Naturally, the sooner you receive treatment, the lighter the burden will be on your mind, body, and treatment costs. Some people are afraid of finding breast cancer during a medical checkup, but for the sake of your loved ones, it's a good idea to get it done at least once a year.

E.M.: Even if I got breast cancer, I would feel better mentally after a year, and I had hope knowing that I could have my breasts reconstructed later. For this reason, I will continue to undergo regular breast cancer screening.
YH:I wish I could empathize with my wife and be closer to her.