According to WHO, by the end of 2020, approximately 2.300.000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer globally. In Europe, every year 450.000 women suffer from breast cancer and sadly 140.000 lose their lives. In Greece there are approximately 4.500 new cases every year while the death toll is about 1.600 women each year. These numbers reveal that breast cancer is the number one cause of death among women.

Most breast lumps are not cancer. There are benign lumps that after being removed, never appear again. On the contrary, cancerous lumps often grow bigger, thicken and spread to nearby lymph nodes and organs.

Fortunately, diagnosis and treatment methods have nowadays advanced. Breast cancer is treated to a level of 97%, as long as it is diagnosed at early stage

Symptoms and signs

• Change in breast size, shape or appearance

• Breast lump or thickening often without pain

• Change in nipple appearance, redness, or soreness around the nipple skin

• Fluid or abnormal bleeding from the nipple

Risk factors

• Gender : females run a stronger risk for breast cancer whereas male cases are only 0,5-1 %

• Age: risk increases with age especially for women >50y

• Genetic predisposition – BRCA1 & BRCA2 mutations

• Early Menstrual onset (<12years)

• Late menopause >55 years

• Long-term use of hormone replacement

• Radiation exposure

• Dense breasts

• Smoking

Personal Prevention measures

• Exercise

• Maintaining a healthy body weight

• Alcohol reduction

• Balanced nutrition

Prevention strategies

Clinical examination

It is recommended that the first clinical examination should take place at the age of 20 years and be repeated every 3-4 years till the age of 40. After 40 you should repeat your examination every year.

Mammogram

Is a low-dose radiation Xray, that can be used as screening test and can often detect breast cancer early. A first baseline mammogram is recommended at the age of 35 years. After 40 years of age you should repeat your examination every year.

Self examination

Learn your body, learn your breasts! It is very important to know when you should visit a specialist or not, while reading your own body signs.

Finally, there are specialized doctors for physical breast examination and mammogram evaluation who will give you personalized medical advice.

Lifecheck laboratories support the international goal to reduce breast cancer mortality.

Please read about our breast cancer awareness campaign, and consult our specialized personnel.