Breast cancer: stories, innovation, and hope

In 2024, Revée News has dedicated significant space to the topic of breast cancer, presenting a journey enriched by interviews with doctors, experts, and associations. This comprehensive exploration offers a 360-degree view of what it means to face this disease: from surgical innovations to preventive measures and psychological support. With this article, we aim to create a collective narrative, intertwining all the voices gathered over the past year to highlight how science, empathy, and resilience are central elements in this journey.

Minimally invasive and robotic surgery

Antonio Toesca, a breast surgeon with 20 years of experience and head of surgical senology at the Candiolo Oncology Institute, explained how minimally invasive and robotic surgery is revolutionizing breast cancer care:
«This type of surgery involves removing the mammary gland through small incisions hidden in the armpit, allowing for optimal preservation of breast tissue and immediate reconstruction during the same procedure».

Recent studies show that this technique not only reduces scarring but also improves the quality of life for patients. While it is currently limited to a few specialized centers due to high costs, Dr. Toesca hopes it will become increasingly accessible, ensuring advanced and less invasive treatment for all women.

The role of associations in supporting breast cancer patients

Another crucial component is the work of associations. Benedetta Cerasani, president of I Girasoli, emphasized the value of support provided to women diagnosed with cancer:
«We assist patients in choosing wigs and, for younger women, guide them in using skin patches. We stand by them throughout the process, even when they insert PICC lines, by providing covers and helping them select mastectomy bras. Additionally, we help interpret medical information, which often causes anxiety and fear».

In 2024, the association inaugurated Health Girasoli, the first center dedicated to women’s health. Cerasani underscores the project’s mission to engage young women in the importance of regular and timely check-ups.

Psychological support also stands out as a central element in the care process. Valeria Martano, president of the V.I.T.A association, shared:
«When I meet newly operated women, I start by telling them my story – Martano explained -. When I say I’m alive and thriving 24 years after the disease, I see smiles on their faces. They think: ‘If she made it, why can’t I?’ Shared experiences are key». The association also promotes creative workshops and awareness meetings to encourage prevention and open dialogue.

Reconstructive surgery

Reconstructive surgery is another rapidly evolving field. Beniamino Brunetti, a plastic surgeon at the Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital in Rome, highlighted the benefits of using autologous tissues:
«Micro-surgical breast reconstruction is an alternative to the more common prosthetic reconstruction. It uses autologous tissues—those of the patient—harvested from donor sites like the lower abdomen or inner thighs».

Brunetti also pointed out aesthetic improvements at donor sites, such as the lower abdomen:
«This surgery is truly an investment in one’s body – Brunetti concluded -. Not only does it provide a more natural and durable reconstruction, but it also improves aesthetics in donor areas, reducing the need for future interventions».

Early diagnosis and sentinel lymph node detection

The value of early diagnosis was reiterated by Diego Ribuffo, professor of plastic surgery at La Sapienza University in Rome. Ribuffo emphasized the importance of the sentinel lymph node, which helps avoid invasive procedures like full lymph node dissection:
«To identify the sentinel lymph node, tissue near the tumor is marked with a radiopharmaceutical. This is injected into the affected area, and with a probe detecting low-level radiation, two or three nodes are identified – Ribuffo explained -. These are analyzed histologically using specific markers. What we’re looking for are not macro-metastases but individual cells».

The impact of technology on breast cancer treatment

Technological advancements are also transforming breast cancer care. Alessandro Quattrini Li, a plastic surgeon at the Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, discussed the role of artificial intelligence and 3D printing in breast surgery:
«Artificial intelligence is set to become an indispensable tool – said Quattrini Li -. It will not only help us improve clinical outcomes but also allow us to further personalize treatments based on each patient’s specific needs».

Additionally, augmented reality is revolutionizing the training of young doctors by offering advanced surgical simulations.

Communication and empathy in breast cancer diagnosis

A breast cancer diagnosis can be an incredibly challenging moment for patients. The responsibility falls on doctors to communicate the news while providing emotional support throughout the journey.

Dr. Stefano Mancini, a breast surgeon specializing in general surgery, micro-surgery, and experimental surgery at the Fatebenefratelli Sacco Hospital in Milan, reflected on the sensitivity required:
«With a breast cancer diagnosis, even for seemingly less invasive procedures, the emotional, psychological, and overall personal impact can often be very strong, almost violent», Mancini said.

«Communication becomes a fundamental moment. I’ve sometimes found that patients have a harder time accepting a breast cancer diagnosis compared to gastric or lung cancer diagnoses, even though, rationally, the latter might represent a greater invasive or dangerous risk».