Breast cancer: early diagnosis saves lives and improves treatment
Prevention where possible and early diagnosis: this is the most effective strategy against breast cancer. Thanks to screening and medical advances, it is now possible to detect the disease in its early stages, increase the chances of recovery, and undergo less invasive treatments with a lesser impact on quality of life.
From the importance of a healthy lifestyle and participation in mammography screening programmes, right through to the latest techniques in breast-conserving and minimally invasive surgery, early diagnosis is a fundamental tool for reducing mortality and improving treatment outcomes.We discuss this with Professor Oreste Gentilini, consultant of the Breast Surgery Unit and head of the Breast Unit at the IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital in Milan.
Primary and secondary prevention: two complementary approaches
When discussing prevention, it is important to distinguish between primary and secondary prevention.
‘Primary prevention encompasses all measures that help reduce the risk of developing the disease. In the case of breast cancer, lifestyle plays an important role: a balanced diet, regular physical activity, weight management, not smoking and moderate alcohol consumption can reduce the risk by up to 30 per cent,’ explains Prof. Gentilini.
Secondary prevention is synonymous with early diagnosis, which allows the lesion to be detected in its early stages, when the chances of recovery are greatest. Mammography screening programmes have, in fact, helped to significantly reduce mortality linked to the disease.’
Why take part in screening programmes
Taking part in screening programmes means increasing the chances of an early diagnosis of cancer and treating it with a greater likelihood of success.
Mammography not only enables the detection of small tumours, but also of certain precancerous lesions that could develop into malignant forms.
In Italia, there are regional screening programmes and voluntary, or individual, screening. Regional programmes represent a great opportunity for prevention but do not cover all age groups; for this reason, it is important to continue with regular check-ups even outside the institutional framework, in accordance with your doctor’s advice.
‘Overcoming the fear of screening is essential’ – continues the specialist – ‘mammography is a safe and valuable tool, capable of having a tangible impact on the chances of recovery’.
Early diagnosis: fewer treatments and more targeted care
Early diagnosis often makes it possible to treat cancer with less aggressive treatments. In the case of precancerous lesions, local treatment may be sufficient; when a malignant tumour is diagnosed, the small size of the lesion and the lower risk of spread generally make it possible to limit the intensity of treatment.
“Modern treatment strategies are, in fact, personalised based on the tumour’s biological characteristics and the risk of recurrence. When the risk is low,” says the consultant, “the impact of treatments also tends to be reduced.”
Detecting the tumour at an early stage means increasing the chances of recovery, better preserving quality of life, and using treatments that are less invasive and better tolerated than those required for more advanced forms of the disease.
The advantages of breast-conserving surgery
One of the main benefits of early diagnosis is the possibility of performing less extensive surgical procedures using breast-conserving surgery, which allows the lesion to be removed whilst preserving the breast without compromising oncological efficacy.
The benefits extend not only to aesthetic appearance, but also to psychological wellbeing, the quality of relationships and post-operative recovery.
Minimally invasive surgery and lymph node management
‘‘When a mastectomy is necessary, modern surgery aims to minimise its impact as much as possible through immediate reconstruction and minimally invasive endoscopic and robotic techniques, which involve smaller, less visible incisions and deliver better aesthetic results’, explains the professor.
Early diagnosis can also influence the management of axillary lymph nodes. In small tumours, the risk of lymph node involvement is lower and, in selected cases, it is possible to reduce or even avoid certain surgical procedures such as sentinel lymph node biopsy’.
Screening as an opportunity
In the past, breast cancer involved highly invasive procedures and treatments. Today, however, thanks to advances in diagnosis, surgery and cancer therapies, the outlook has improved significantly.
“Early diagnosis increases the chances of recovery, reduces the impact of treatment and preserves the patient’s quality of life. For this reason, active prevention and screening remain fundamental to tackling breast cancer with the best prospects for recovery’, concludes Gentilini.
