This was part of the long-time tradition for CIH to send their senior medical staff to give free medical examinations to the general public.

"Each year we send experienced doctors and nurses to remote areas in Tibet Autonomous Region and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to provide training for local medical professionals and to give free medical examinations to the local people. This endeavor will continue as long as possible," said Ms. Shen Huizhi, deputy head of Administration Office of CIH.

Some attendants felt anxious while waiting for the results of their examination.

However, they became more relaxed on seeing seventy-ish Dr. Yu Hongtiao. His snow white hair and white coat, which enhanced his confident, professional manner, made him the most popular doctor at the meeting. But what added to his popularity was his "secret weapon" -- the soft plastic model of a woman's breast, he had on the table next to him.

Dr. Yu patiently explained the correct method for giving a self-exam. He used the breast model to show how to search for lumps on the left side, to look for nipple discharge, and cysts and tumors on the right side. Each woman was given the opportunity to touch and handle the breast model after finishing her check-up.

Many women said when touching the plastic breast, the life-like feeling was interesting although making them feel slightly embarrassed.

When asked the reason for using this "secret weapon," Dr. Yu smiled and said this "procedure is based on clinical experience."

"I met with numerous patients who had no idea of what I was explaining," he said. In fact, it [breast cancer symptom] is too abstract to be understood unless you are quite familiar with medical terminology as well as the structure of the breast.

"The breast model is made with soft plastic. It's easy for patients to understand what their breast look and feel like in both normal and abnormal conditions in terms of touching and pressing," said Dr. Yu.

Concerning the common "syndrome" -- breast cell proliferation -- among 20-30 year olds, Dr. Yu says the misunderstanding should be clarified.

"It [breast cell proliferation] often gets misunderstood as being an initial symptom of breast cancer. But in my opinion, it's not a 'syndrome' but a normal physiological phenomenon for most young women. Their breasts may feel a little bit of pain prior to their periods. It's not a good idea to take medicine too quickly, not to mention puncture therapy," Dr. Yu warns.

In fact, women at all ages should have breast self-exam as part of their health care routine; and women over 40 or who have a high risk (genetic factor, family history, etc.) for the disease should also have an annual mammogram and physical exam by a doctor.

The "golden rule" introduced by doctors says the earlier the breast cancer is found and diagnosed, the better the chances of surviving it.

Upon finishing the check-up, the good news was announced that none of the attendees was diagnosed with breast cancer.

"Knowledge of breast cancer prevention and good health are precious gifts to me on the International Women's Day," said 72-year-old Ms. Li, one of the attendants.