500 groups of breast cancer families fight against cancer. Doctors remind: Don’t wait until you feel a lump before checking

Attendees took photos holding support signs to express their support and care for breast cancer patients. (Provided by Taiwan Cancer Foundation)

[Reporter Luo Bi/Taipei Report] Breast cancer may have no obvious symptoms in its early stages, so don’t wait until you feel a lump to get checked. The third "BreastPink 2026 Pink Women's Breast Protection Bike" event was held today (7th) at Taipei City's Machang Town Memorial Park. 500 groups of breast cancer families participated. Through cycling and walking, accompanied by medical teams and relatives and friends, they gradually regained their physical fitness and rhythm of life.

The event was initiated by Zhou Xuhuan, a breast cancer specialist at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and co-organized by the BreastPink team and the Taiwan Cancer Foundation. The number of participants increased from 100 groups in the first session and 300 groups in the second session to 500 groups of breast cancer families this year. This year, a walking group has been added to allow patients and family members of different physical abilities to participate.

Zhou Xuhuan pointed out that breast cancer cannot be self-examined by touch alone. There may be no obvious symptoms in the early stage, so you should not wait until you feel a hard lump before seeking medical treatment. The government currently provides free mammography screening every two years for women aged 40 to 74. Domestic studies show that regular screening can reduce breast cancer mortality by about 41%. Qualified women are reminded to get regular screening.

According to cancer registration data in 2023, there were 17,779 new cases of breast cancer among Taiwanese women, and the number of breast cancer deaths in 2025 was 3,116. Zhou Xuhuan said that as treatment becomes more precise and personalized, people should still actively receive appropriate treatment and continue follow-up after diagnosis to have a chance of achieving good disease control.

He also reminded that in addition to treatment and tracking, proper exercise is an important part of post-cancer health. Patients can gradually establish exercise habits based on their own physical fitness and the recommendations of the medical team to improve fatigue, maintain physical fitness and quality of life, and do not have to force themselves to achieve excessive exercise goals at once.

Guests and the public rode together to bring the concept of breast cancer prevention and treatment into life. (Provided by Taiwan Cancer Foundation)

Tsai Li-juan, deputy executive director of the Taiwan Cancer Foundation, said that in addition to physical treatment and recovery, patients may also face challenges such as emotional stress, family relationships, body image, and returning to daily life. Cancer care requires the joint investment of family, social and psychological support.

Cai Lijuan pointed out that the activity has increased from 100 groups to 500 groups in the past three years, reflecting that more and more patients are willing to come out and embrace life again. It is hoped that through the activities, exercise will become the starting point for patients to regain their health and confidence, and that relatives and friends will become companions from caregivers, supporting patients through practical actions such as accompanying them to medical appointments and sharing housework, etc., to support patients in their anti-cancer journey.