Swift action: the key to preventing breast tumours

As of 2022, the rate of breast tumours in Italy has increased by 0,5%, and according to experts, this upward trend in cases will continue to increase in the next two decades. However, by taking swift action, the disease can be overcome with an 88% chance of survival. 

Dr. Veronica Prati, who has been involved in the treatment of breast diseases, as well as urological conditions since 2019, and since 2024, she’s been the head of the Simple Structure for Breast Oncology at the Michele Pietro Ferrero Hospital, in Verduno, highlights the importance of preventing breast tumours through specific actions. 

«According to data from the scientific literature, a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing cancer, particularly breast cancer, by up to 30 percent – the Doctor explains –

Therefore, it is essential to educate the population, not only patients, but the general public as well, about the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, meaning a balanced diet, such as the traditional Mediterranean diet, and regular physical activity».

From self check-ups to screenings

The key to prevention is awareness. Dr. Prati stresses: «It is essential for women to perform self-examination regularly, at least once a month. This is important because each person knows their own body well, so it is crucial to notice any changes, specifically, the appearance of a lump, a truly palpable nodule». 

But it is also important to check for any skin changes or the presence of nipple discharge, whether bloody or clear. In short, anything that differs from the normal function or appearance of the mammary gland should be carefully evaluated. However, Dr. Prati also notes that: «Self-examination cannot replace a mammogram or a breast ultrasound, so it is essential to take part in screening programs».

Access to screening programs isn’t the same throughout Italy, which is why Dr. Prati believes it is paramount to educate the public about the benefits of such programs. «In the North, screening adherence rates reach about 55–60%, while in the South they are even lower, below 40%. Therefore, educating the population is crucial: helping people understand how important it is to participate in screening programs and to promote awareness among healthy individuals about the importance of prevention, particularly primary prevention, meaning education on maintaining healthy lifestyle habits».

The evolution of treatment

Nowadays, treating breast tumours has changed significantly, leading to better chances of survival. «Until a few decades ago, we only had chemotherapy and standard hormone therapy. Today, we are witnessing a true personalization of treatment based on the biology of breast cancer, because not all breast cancers are the same. We can distinguish them into three major classes: luminal disease, which has positive hormone receptors and is HER2-negative; HER2-positive disease; and triple-negative disease». 

Furthermore, Dr. Prati explains how: «These three major families of breast cancers have undergone a revolution. For example, in luminal tumors, biological drugs such as cyclin inhibitors have been introduced at an early stage. In HER2-positive tumors, we now have the option to use anti-HER2 monoclonal antibodies in combination with chemotherapy.
For triple-negative disease, over the past five years, the introduction of immunotherapy has been observed, leading to complete response rates».

Medication is also playing an important role now during later stages of the disease. «Another class of drugs that has brought a revolution, and in fact, just last week at the European Congress, we witnessed the presentation of data even in an early setting, is the class of antibodies–drug conjugates. Today, these drugs are used in the advanced and metastatic stages of the disease, and in the near future, they could also be used at an earlier stage».

October: breast tumour prevention month

October is the month dedicated to breast cancer prevention, a time to renew our commitment to raising awareness about the importance of regular check-ups and healthy lifestyles. In this context, the meeting on November 3rd with Dr. Prati was an important opportunity to engage the community in discussions about prevention, emphasising how proper nutrition and regular physical activity can make a significant contribution to protecting health.