Breast Cancer: General Information

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in Greece, as well as in most Western countries. It accounts for over a quarter of all cancers in women, and its incidence increases significantly with age. Breast cancer is rare in women under 25, but its prevalence steadily rises after the age of 30. Three-quarters of cases occur in women over 50.

It is the leading cause of cancer death in women aged 35-54 and the second leading cause of death overall in older women, after cardiovascular diseases. To address this disease, modern medicine focuses on prevention, early detection, and treatment.

Benign Breast Tumors

In addition to malignant breast cancer, there are also benign tumors, which account for approximately 70% of cases. These keep doctors busy in their daily practice and, although not dangerous, often require diagnosis and monitoring. The most common benign conditions include:

- Intraductal papilloma: A tumor located in the large milk ducts, with the main symptom being bleeding from the nipple.
- Multiple papillomas: These tumors are located in the peripheral milk ducts and are diagnosed histopathologically. They have a 5% chance of developing into invasive cancer.
- Fibroadenoma: This is the most common tumor in premenopausal women and usually appears at a young age, either solitary or multiple, while its frequency increases after the age of 30.
- Phyllodes tumors: These are rare tumors, with more than 50% being benign. The therapeutic approach involves wide excision or simple mastectomy, as metastasis to the lymph nodes is rare.
- Fibrocystic disease: This condition affects about 90% of women and is caused by hormonal changes. It can occur before and after menopause and is divided into three categories, with the most severe form increasing the risk of developing cancer.

Key Symptoms of Breast Cancer

There are four main symptoms of breast cancer that should not be ignored:

- Lump or hardening in the breast or armpit: A palpable lump or hardening that does not go away can be a sign of breast cancer, especially if it is hard and asymmetrical compared to the rest of the tissue.
- Changes in the shape or size of the breast: Sudden or unexplained changes in the size or shape of the breast may be a sign of a problem.
- Changes in breast skin: Redness, hardening, dimpling (like "orange peel"), or any abnormal change in the texture of the breast skin can be warning signs.
- Nipple discharge: Unexplained nipple discharge, especially if it is bloody or clear and occurs without pressure, should be investigated immediately by a doctor.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical advice immediately.

Prevention and Diagnosis

Prevention of breast cancer is based on primary and secondary prevention strategies. Primary prevention involves avoiding risk factors and adopting healthy habits, while secondary prevention includes early diagnosis through screening tests such as mammography, which can detect cancer at an early stage, offering better treatment prospects.

Here are some lifestyle habits that can reduce the risk of breast cancer:

- Maintaining a healthy weight: Excess weight, especially after menopause, increases the risk of developing breast cancer. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight.
- Physical activity: Regular exercise reduces levels of estrogen and insulin in the blood, which are associated with an increased risk of cancer. At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week is recommended.
- Limiting alcohol: Alcohol consumption, even in small amounts, increases the risk of breast cancer. Limiting or avoiding alcohol can reduce this risk.
- Healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like omega-3s can help prevent cancer.
- Limiting hormone therapy: Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy after menopause has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Its use is recommended for the shortest possible period and under medical supervision.
- Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding, especially for longer periods, has been shown to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
- Regular check-ups and mammography: Early diagnosis through regular check-ups, such as mammography, helps detect cancer at an early stage, when it is easier to treat.

Treatment

Treatments for breast cancer depend on the stage and type of cancer, as well as the patient's profile. There are three main treatments:

1. Surgery Surgical treatment of breast cancer involves removing the tumor and can be either:
  - Lumpectomy: Removal of the tumor only with a small margin of healthy tissue.
  - Mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast, especially in cases of advanced cancer or when there are multiple     tumors. In some cases, breast reconstruction follows to restore the shape of the          breast.

2. Chemotherapy Uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells, either before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) to shrink the tumor, or after (adjuvant therapy) to reduce the risk of recurrence. Chemotherapy can be combined with other therapies, such as hormone therapy or radiation therapy, depending on the characteristics of the cancer.

3. Radiation therapy Uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. It often follows surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells in the breast or nearby lymph nodes. It can also be used to relieve symptoms in advanced cases of cancer.

Innovative Breast Cancer Treatments

The Asklepieia health cluster, in collaboration with Massive Bio, offers breast cancer patients the opportunity to participate in FREE clinical trials. The clinical trials offered by Massive Bio for breast cancer provide patients with the opportunity to access innovative treatments, often before they are widely available. These trials focus on the use of new drugs and combination therapies aimed at improving efficacy and minimizing side effects.

Patients receive:

- Access to new treatments: Participants have the opportunity to receive treatments that are not yet available to the general public, which can be especially important for patients with advanced or resistant cancer.
- Personalized approach: Trials often target specific genetic mutations or biological markers, offering more targeted therapy based on the patient's tumor profile.
- Close monitoring: Patients in clinical trials are closely monitored by specialized doctors and scientific staff, ensuring that their treatment is adjusted according to their needs.

Discover new therapeutic options