MedLife doctors explain all you need to know about breast cancer and its prevention

Causes

Like any other type of cancer, breast cancer is caused by several factors acting simultaneously. Although many factors involved in the occurrence of breast cancer have been identified (estrogen in excess, smoking, obesity, mutations in genes known as BRCA, etc.) and many others are pending validation as risk factors, many other factors that may increase the risk of breast cancer remain unknown.

Currently, the most likely hypothesis is that this type of cancer is caused by a complex interaction between the genetic component and the environment.

Symptoms

The most frequent manifestation of breast cancer is the appearance of a lump, meaning a painless, hard mass, with irregular edges. Most likely, such a mass can be cancerous. But this doesn’t mean that the soft, painless, round masses cannot be cancerous.

Only the investigations recommended by the oncologist can tell what kind of lesion that is.

Other symptoms:

• partial or total swelling of the entire breast, even in the absence of a lump
• changes in the breast size, shape or appearance
• changes in the breast skin (“orange peel” appearance)
• nipple retraction
• breast or nipple pain
• nipple discharge
• redness, scales, streaks, thickening of nipples or breast skin
• existence of one or more lumps under the arm
• persistent breast discomfort

Prevention

The most important breast cancer prevention measures are:

• regular check-ups for women in risk groups;
• urgent visit to the doctor in case of changes at breast level;
• balanced diet;
• maintaining a normal weight (especially after menopause);
• regular physical activity;
• no alcohol.

Depending on the age, the following investigations are recommended:

Under 30 years

• self-examination
• clinical exam of breast, every year
• breast ultrasound, at 3 years

Between 30 and 40 years old

• self-examination
• clinical exam of breast, every year
• breast ultrasound, every year

Over 40 years old

• monthly self-palpation of breasts
• mammography, at 2 years
• breast ultrasound, every year

Women with no risk factors are recommended to do a medical check-up of breast, every 3 years. This consultation involves breast self-examination and imaging tests (breast ultrasound, mammography) in centers specialized in breast pathology.

Comprehensive coverage of medical services for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer at MedLife

Within the MedLife network, we offer patients complete services for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment (pharmacological, surgical and radiotherapeutic) of this condition, in outpatient or in hospital setting: consultations, clinical and laboratory investigations, imaging, surgery and medical rehabilitation services.

The patient may benefit from:

Prevention services: specialist consultations, imaging, and laboratory tests in the national network of MedLife clinics and laboratories, as well as in partner facilities.

Medical oncology as day hospitalization at MedLife Titan Hospital, MedLife Brașov Oncology Hospital (OncoCard), MedLife Craiova, MedLife Sibiu, Neolife Bucharest Băneasa and Neolife Iași.

Oncological surgery with all facilities in the MedLife hospital network (Spitalul MedLife Medical Park, MedLife Brașov Oncology Hospital (OncoCard), MedLife Lotus, MedLife Brașov, MedLife Polisano, MedLife Genesys, MedLife Humanitas).

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments in MedLife Brașov Oncology Hospital (OncoCard), MedLife Polisano Oncology Center in Sibiu, Neolife București-Băneasa Medical Center, Neolife București-Enayati, Neolife Iași, Neolife Vâlcea and Neolife Brăila, MedLife Titan (only chemotherapy).