The breast tissue and lymph nodes in the upper outer quadrant of the breast are particularly dense, making this area more prone to tumors.

There is a rumor that antiperspirants contain carcinogenic chemicals, and long-term underarm shaving and antiperspirant use may allow these chemicals to penetrate the lymph nodes, leading to breast cancer. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.

Doctors recommend that women avoid using antiperspirants before a mammogram because antiperspirants contain aluminum, which can appear as calcification-like spots on mammograms and potentially affect the examination results.

A characteristic of chemotherapy drugs is that while they kill cancer cells, they also affect normal cells, leading to side effects such as fatigue and vomiting. When patients have not yet recovered their strength and face another round of chemotherapy and its side effects, it can easily make them feel like they are getting “sicker.” Even if their strength barely recovers, they must face the side effects again with the next treatment, creating a cycle of feeling “just recovered, only to start all over again.”

However, this issue can be managed:

When fatigued, moderate exercise such as walking can help restore energy.

Maintaining a balanced diet is also beneficial.

Taking anti-nausea medication beforehand can prevent vomiting.
If problems persist, be sure to consult healthcare professionals.

Chemotherapy drugs affect tissues with rapid metabolism, such as oral mucosa, increasing the likelihood of developing mouth ulcers during treatment. Since chemotherapy reduces white blood cell and platelet counts, weakening immunity, pre-existing conditions like periodontal disease or other gum issues may worsen, leading to gum swelling, bleeding, loose teeth, or even oral infections. If such issues arise, patients may need to pause chemotherapy, affecting treatment progress.

Therefore, patients (especially those who rarely visit the dentist) should undergo a dental check-up before chemotherapy to ensure oral health, reducing the risk of chemotherapy interruption due to dental or gum problems. During chemotherapy, patients should not overlook the importance of oral care. In addition to brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush morning and night, rinse with mild saltwater after each meal.

Drinking plenty of water helps maintain oral hygiene and alleviate mouth ulcer issues.

As mentioned earlier, patients’ immunity is inevitably weakened during chemotherapy. To avoid increasing the risk of bacterial infections, it is best to consume only cooked foods. Raw foods such as sashimi, sushi, salads, or dishes containing raw meat (e.g., beef tartare) should be avoided. Additionally, only thoroughly washed fruits should be eaten. For brushing and rinsing, using boiled water is safer.