He breast cancer It continues to lead as the most common tumor in women, ahead of colorectal, lung, cervical, thyroid and pancreatic cancer. This is confirmed by the latest data from the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), which states that This year it is expected 36,395. In percentage terms, we can say that 30% of cancers diagnosed in women occur in the breast. And, in addition, according to the Spanish Group for the Study of Breast Cancer (GEICAM), it is also the most diagnosed cancer in the rest of the world, overtaking lung cancer for the first time.
In turn, the estimated incidence rate is 132 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. That is, every eighth woman will develop this disease, and, in addition, this most common between 45 and 65 yearsalthough the estimated age of appearance is between 35 and 80 years. It is true that this incidence “has a constant increase”, as GEICAM points out, while the approach to this disease has improved in recent years.
“We have made great progress in early diagnosis”
“The incidence in Spain is very high, but we have fewer and fewer patients dying from breast cancer,” explains Dr. Sylvia Antolinresearcher and member of the board of directors of GEICAM, in a statement to ConSalud.es on the occasion of World Breast Cancer Day, which is celebrated on October 19. “This is because we have made great progress in early diagnosis,” he continues.
In recent years, the paradigm has changed. “We have made progress in early diagnosisespecially thanks to population screening campaigns that allow early detection of tumors in asymptomatic people,” comments the doctor. “But we have also made progress in accurate diagnosis, determining what biological subtype they have and what more personalized treatment we can give that patient to reduce side effects and ensure that they live without recurrence,” he adds.
This improvement in the approach to breast cancer treatment is also driven by patient participation. The doctor claims that every time more women know about screening for this diseaseIn addition, more and more young patients are coming for consultations. “They will be more aware of the need to seek advice if they notice any abnormality,” says the GEICAM researcher.
SCREENING IN YOUTH – A REALITY?
In any case, from the age of 50, all women can be diagnosed through screening mammography in the various autonomous regions. What about younger patients? As the expert comments, “we are assessing the possibility of carrying out “screening”, intended for patients aged 40 to 50 years. “Who has a family history of breast cancer or high breast density, which is also associated with this disease.”
“Mammography is not ideal for young patients”
In this sense, the expert assures that it is necessary to evaluate the detection method in young patients. “We have to determine what kind of imaging test we’re going to do because it’s true that for younger patients Mammography is not an ideal method“, he notes.
BREAST CANCER PROBLEMS
In GEICAM’s case, they are involved in breast cancer research “at all levels,” the researcher says. That’s why one of the tasks is invite women to participate in clinical trials. “We have trials of all stages of the study. From the earliest, when drugs are not yet commercially available, to phase 4 studies, where already commercially available drugs are expanded to populations affected by cancer outside of clinical trials,” he explains.
“And another big challenge is to improve treatments for metastatic disease.”
Not forgetting that other serious problems prevention and improvement of treatment of metastatic diseases. “On the one hand, one of the most important tasks is to improve lifestyle. This is very important,” says Dr. Antolin. “And another major challenge is to improve treatments for metastatic disease, which is already being achieved in some cancer subtypes. Patients live for years without progression, with an acceptable quality of life,” he continues. “Being able to treat these patients and not harm them is the goal so they can live without side effects affecting their lives,” he concludes.