Breast Cancer Awareness Month October
Status: 30.09.2021
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the focus worldwide is on prevention, early detection and research into breast cancer to raise awareness of the disease. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Men can also be affected by breast cancer, even if the disease occurs much less frequently in them.
Early detection plays an important role in the fight against breast cancer. Breast cancer can be treated well if detected early. From the age of 30, women can go for a breast cancer screening examination once a year, where the breasts and armpits are palpated and the breasts are examined for changes. Between the ages of 50 and 69, they are invited for a mammogram every two years at a specialized examination center. The costs are covered by health insurance.
In the video Dr. Sudip Kundu, senior physician at the Clinical Department of Gynaecology at the MHH, explains exactly how the screening examinations work and which symptoms you should be aware of.
- How does breast cancer develop?
- What is done during the screening examinations?
- How do I feel my breast?
- What symptoms should I look out for?
Breast cancer screening
How can I take precautions and what symptoms should I be aware of?
In the video, Dr. Sudip Kundu, senior physician at the MHH's Clinical Department of Gynaecology, explains exactly how screening works and which symptoms you should be aware of.
Can breast cancer be prevented?
Studies have shown that age, hormonal situation, lifestyle and inherited risk genes influence the risk of developing the disease.
Experts generally recommend maintaining a healthy body weight and avoiding obesity and weight gain, especially after the menopause. Regular exercise and drinking as little alcohol as possible contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
Mothers are advised to breastfeed their child if possible. Hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms should be avoided if possible.
However, there are also cancer risks over which we have no influence. For example, around 30 out of 100 women with breast or ovarian cancer have a family history of the disease. In some of those affected, this can be traced back to a hereditary change in a "breast cancer high-risk gene", usually BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA = Breast Cancer). Women with a genetic predisposition have the opportunity to take advantage of an intensified early detection program.
Detailed information on risk factors for breast cancer and prevention can be found at the Cancer Information Service.
Specialized centers in the Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) of the MHH
Breast Center
The Breast Center at the CCC Hannover of the MHH is the central institution for questions regarding the diagnosis and treatment of breast diseases.
Breast cancer is of particular importance here. We offer women and men with breast cancer a holistic care concept whose high level of professional competence has been tested and certified by independent experts in accordance with the requirements of the German Cancer Society, the German Society for Senology (breast diseases) and DIN EN ISO 9001.
Further information on the range of services and consultation hours can be found here.
Center for familial breast and ovarian cancer
Women and men who have a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer or women who have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer at a young age can find information at the Center for Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer of the CCC Hannover of the MHH. The center's services range from interdisciplinary consultation and genetic analysis to the possibility of an intensified early detection program. Specialists from various departments work closely together to provide the best possible care for those seeking advice and patients.
Further information on the range of services and consultation hours can be found here.
Further information:
Breast Cancer Awareness Month German Cancer Aid Cancer Information ServiceBreast cancer: diagnosis, treatment and aftercare
CCC-N: Breast Cancer Awareness Month OctoberMany years of expertise in breast cancer at the Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Lower Saxony
This might interest you:
Breast Center Center for familial breast and ovarian cancer Press release: Tracking down breast cancer risk genes:Study results of the Breast Cancer Association Consortium (BCAC) with participation of the MHH show disease-specific potential of further gene mutations in breast cancer
Press release: Better protection against hereditary cancerMHH project OnkoRisk NET aims to expand genetic counseling and diagnostics nationwide.