Breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and accounts for almost a third of all new cancer cases in women in Switzerland. Breast cancer rarely occurs in men. It is an extremely complex disease involving multiple subtypes. Our goal is to provide the best possible treatment for breast cancer through our diagnostics and therapeutic solutions.

Breast cancer, also known as breast carcinoma, develops when healthy cells change and multiply uncontrollably. These cancer cells originate from healthy cells and form a tumor in the breast. Since there are many types of breast cancer, each patient requires personalized treatment.

Breast cancer develops in the glandular tissue. In most cases, the cancer is localized in the milk ducts, which is known as ductal breast cancer. This type develops in the cells lining the milk ducts and is the most common breast cancer type, accounting for 50-80% of cases.

A less common breast cancer type is lobular breast cancer, which accounts for around 5-10% of breast cancers. This develops in the cells of the glandular lobules, which are responsible for milk production. There are also mixed forms and rarer carcinomas, which have different biological characteristics and clinical courses. These rare forms make up a small percentage of breast cancers, but often require special diagnostic and treatment approaches.

Common symptoms of breast cancer may be visible externally and palpable by self-examination. Not every change is a cause for concern, as the female breast changes naturally. Nodular changes or feelings of tightness can occur before menstruation. The breast also undergoes hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause, which often disappear spontaneously and can vary in severity. 

Possible indications of breast cancer are:

• Lumps and hardness

• Change in size, shape and colour of the breast, nipple or skin

• Fluid leaking from the nipple, possibly with blood

If changes occur, a doctor should be consulted.

The treatment of breast cancer depends on various factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's general health and preferences.

The choice of treatment is usually made by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including gynecologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiologists and pathologists, to create an individualized treatment plan. 

Medication to treat breast cancer include:

• Chemotherapy: destroys cancer cells throughout the body.

• Anti-hormonal therapy: interrupts the effect of hormones on cancer cells and slows or prevents their growth.

• Targeted therapy: molecules that block specific receptors which promote the growth of cancer cells.

• Immunotherapy: supports the immune system in fighting cancer cells.