Prevention and Treatment of Breast Cancer

Why is breast cancer so important in oncology?

Breast cancer in oncology is very important because it affects women so frequently. Approximately one in eight women will suffer from this disease during her lifetime and consequently every year we diagnose 22,000 cases. This tumor is more or less one third of all female tumors, therefore, we are talking about a frequent disease, a disease that is serious when diagnosed late and when it is not treated adequately, that can affect women of different age ranges, but is concentrated mainly between 45 and 60 years of age and that if an early diagnosis is made and an adequate management is carried out, it is a highly curable disease.

Is the diagnosis of breast cancer complex?

No, not at all, it is not. It is very important for women to be aware of the need for early diagnosis. This early diagnosis begins with learning to explore their own breast. It is also very important that they go to the doctor periodically so that he/she is the one who explores the breast. In addition, complementary explorations such as mammography or ultrasound, and if there are doubts, magnetic resonance imaging, should also be considered. In case of any doubt, proceed to biopsy the breast tissue that appears to be unhealthy and make an accurate diagnosis that allows the therapeutic process to begin directly.

How is breast cancer treatment performed?

The treatment of breast cancer is carried out under two premises: one, it is treated as a team and two, it is tailor-made. It is very important, no two breast cancers are the same. We have many treatment offers: surgery, chemotherapy, biological treatments, hormone therapy, radiotherapy… But all this can go in different sequences, depending on the type of woman to be treated and depending on the type of tumor. So two very clear ideas: teamwork and a tailor-made suit.

What is the prognosis of breast cancer in Spain?

Fortunately the prognosis of breast cancer in Spain is at the same level as the most advanced countries in the world, and even exceeds the European average. Specifically, in Spain 83% of our patients survive more than five years. This is a very important fact, but what is more, every year the prognosis improves. Therefore, in our country we are at the forefront of breast cancer at world level and we are doing better every year.

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In recent years, what have been the most significant advances in its treatment?

I believe there are many advances in different fields. For example, in the field of diagnosis, especially in more complex cases, the appearance of magnetic resonance imaging has been very important. Likewise, there are special risk populations that have been favored by the use of certain drugs such as Exemestane, which clearly reduces the risk of breast cancer. Likewise, in the field of surgery, immediate reconstruction has added value and above all quality of life and comfort for women. Finally, in the field of therapy, personalized therapies are essential. The well-studied molecular signature of tumors allows us to treat patients selectively.

What advice would you give women to prevent breast cancer?

The first recommendation I would give them is very general but very useful. That they keep their weight stable, that they do not smoke, that they do physical exercise. All this reduces the incidence of breast cancer and is very important. Secondly, they should be aware of the value of early diagnosis. They should do self-exploration and go to their doctor for regular check-ups. And lastly, if unfortunately the disease has appeared, that they seek, that they select and that they rely on a compact and coordinated team of medical oncologists, radiation therapists, surgeons and psychologists. It is very important.