Let technology lead way forward, guests are told

According to experts, breast cancer has become a leading cause of cancer death among women and new technology has shed light on the issue.

During the two-day 2024 International Breast Cancer Forum that kicked off in Guangzhou on Friday, Liao Ning, chairperson of the forum and a reputed breast oncologist with Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, suggested that doctors should stay humble and embrace new technology in the fight against the disease.

"In China, breast cancer cases continue to rise at an alarming rate mainly due to diet changes, inadequate early diagnosis and other causes. That is why we have several sessions dedicated to genetic testing, early diagnosis and the improvement of cancer patients' quality of life," she said.

She highlighted the significance of the leading experts' "teaching points", saying that thanks to their experience, the Wednesday International Molecular Tumor Board, a livestreaming program she has hosted for several years, often draws more than a million viewers. The livestreaming is also attracting interest beyond China, as evidenced by more than 600,000 likes on LinkedIn in America recently, she said.

She recommends robot-aided surgeries as they can perform procedures with precision after serious training and added she is a firm believer in the applications of generative artificial intelligence in healthcare.

"The reality is that even in the most developed countries, breast cancer remains a key threat to public health, while in developing countries, fiscal resources are often a limiting constraint," Liao said.

This annual forum, with the aim of creating better ways to combat breast cancer by combining experts with China's vast patient pool, showcased the latest research results and cutting-edge techniques to China.

William J. Gradishar, a professor from Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University in the United States, said at his keynote speech that modern clinical practice is becoming more nuanced based on tools that help to determine risk of recurrence in the adjuvant setting based on molecular assays and shared decision-making with the patient is critical when treating the cancer.

Wu Yilong, tenured professor of the Guangdong Lung Cancer Institute, said during a video speech that this forum has been influencing the development of breast cancer treatment in China, with a key aspect being the collaboration achieved between national and international experts through this event. The latest advancements shared by the experts also contributed to the progress of domestic breast cancer treatment.