Breast Cancer Awareness Month October
Status: 02.10.2024
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the focus worldwide is on prevention, early detection and research into breast cancer in order 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, women can have a mammogram every two years in addition to the palpation examination. This involves examining the breast with low-dose X-rays. Since July 1, 2024, mammography screening has also been open to women aged 70 to 75.
Experts also recommend regular self-examination and deliberate palpation of the breast. Possible changes can thus be detected and clarified at an early stage. Dr. Marlene Röttger, a specialist at the Clinical Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at the MHH, explains exactly how this works and what to look out for.
Self-examination: How do I feel my breast?
Dr. Marlene Röttger, a specialist at the Clinical Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the MHH, explains what to look out for.
What factors increase the risk of breast cancer?
Breast cancer often develops without a recognizable trigger. However, there are factors that increase the risk of breast cancer. Experts suspect that several such risk factors can interact to cause breast cancer. However, not all factors can be influenced.
Risk factors that cannot be influenced include older age, hereditary predisposition, dense breast tissue, certain changes in breast tissue, previous radiotherapy of the breast, type 2 diabetes mellitus and hormonal factors.
Risk factors that can be influenced include alcohol consumption, smoking, lack of exercise, an unhealthy diet, no or short periods of breastfeeding, hormonal contraceptives, obesity after the menopause and hormone replacement therapy after the menopause.
To prevent breast cancer, experts recommend maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy body weight, drinking little or no alcohol, not smoking, avoiding hormone replacement therapy if possible, avoiding type 2 diabetes mellitus through a healthy diet and weight control or treating an existing disease accordingly.
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.