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Early detection / Information evening on hereditary breast cancer on Wednesday, October 18

In Germany, around 70,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in women. Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October draws attention to the situation of sufferers and focuses on the topics of prevention, early detection and research into breast cancer worldwide. This month not only serves to raise awareness, but also actively encourages people to take the necessary preventative measures.

"Regular screening examinations and special advice for hereditary breast cancer are extremely important," says Prof. Dr. Ingolf Juhasz-Böss, Medical Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Head of the Breast Center Freiburg at the Medical Center of Freiburg. With the Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg - CCCF, the Center for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer and the Breast Center Freiburg, the Medical Center - University of Freiburg is a nationally renowned point of contact for the treatment of breast cancer. An interdisciplinary team of experts from gynecology, plastic surgery, radiology, pathology, medical oncology, nuclear medicine and radiotherapy work closely together on diagnostics and therapy through to long-term aftercare. Guideline-based therapy is provided by experienced physicians. Patients also have the opportunity to benefit from innovative therapies as part of clinical studies. In order to share the latest findings in the surgical treatment of breast cancer, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg is inviting experts from German-speaking countries to a workshop on breast surgery in mid-October.

Age limit for breast cancer screening raised

Growing awareness of the importance of breast cancer prevention and early detection is accompanied by a positive development: the age limit for free breast cancer screening for people with statutory health insurance is expected to rise from 69 to 75 from July 2024. The Federal Joint Committee will allow mammography screening for early detection every two years up to this age. Women can therefore take advantage of up to three additional mammograms.

Breast cancer in the family

In around ten percent of cases, breast cancer has a hereditary cause. Due to the significantly younger age at which women with a family history of breast cancer are diagnosed, screening measures must begin much earlier than is usual for the general population. It is recommended to start screening from the age of 25 or five years before the earliest age of onset in the family. "The good news is that if breast cancer is detected at an early stage, the chances of recovery are 85 percent," says Juhasz-Böss.

An online lecture on the topic "Breast cancer in the family - what can I do?" will be offered in the "Knowledge helps" event series on Wednesday, October 18, from 6 pm to 7 pm. After the lecture, Dr. Sarah Huwer, senior physician at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg, will be available to answer questions. Participation is free of charge, registration is required.

Further information and the registration form can be found at www.uniklinik-freiburg.de/veranstaltungen-frauenklinik/patientinnenveranstaltungen.

Caption: Pink ribbons as a sign of solidarity: An interdisciplinary team of experts works closely together at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg to diagnose and treat breast cancer.

Image rights: Medical Center - University of Freiburg