Breast cancer - causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment methods

Breast cancer is considered one of the most common cancer pathologies. Due to the absence of specific symptoms at the early stage of development of the tumor process, the population seeks medical help later. Thanks to modern treatment methods, doctors are successfully fighting breast malignancies. Complex therapy allows you to completely get rid of the pathological focus and ensure high patient survival.

Mammary cancer

The modern rhythm of life does not allow many women and men to think about their health. Therefore, the first signs of breast disease are often missed. Meanwhile, breast cancer in women is in first place among detected malignant neoplasms. As breast cancer progresses, the clinical picture of oncological pathology intensifies. Often, a tumor in the breast can be identified in the later stages. New research methods make it possible to diagnose breast cancer at an early stage of the process. The average five-year survival rate of the population, when breast cancer is detected and treated at an early stage, is 90-100%. Complex therapy for breast tumors is considered one of the most successful among all oncological pathologies.

Timely diagnosis makes it possible to identify the source of pathology at an early stage. Self-examination of the mammary glands allows you to regularly monitor changes occurring in the breast. The appearance of any changes requires immediate medical attention.

The Yusupov Hospital provides a full range of services for the detection and treatment of breast tumors. For this purpose, modern devices are used that make it possible to accurately diagnose the location, structure and size of the tumor.

Expert opinion
Author:
Alexey Andreevich Moiseev
Oncologist, chemotherapist, Candidate of Medical Sciences
Breast cancer has been the most common form of cancer for many years. Worldwide, there are more than 1.5 million women suffering from the pathology. Despite treatment, a third of cases are fatal. In Russia, the statistics are as follows: every 10 woman out of 1000 suffers from breast cancer. The occurrence of pathology in men cannot be ruled out. According to statistics, the ratio of men and women in the morbidity structure is 1:100.
The prevalence of pathology is influenced by internal and external factors. Therefore, it is important to carry out screening on time, especially for women with a family history. Doctors recommend self-examination and mammography once every 2 years. If pathological signs appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. The aggressive course of breast cancer is characterized by rapid progression. The prognosis for recovery is favorable if the diagnosis is made in the early stages.
Doctors at the Yusupov Hospital identify tumor foci at any stage of development. This allows for correct therapy and relief of the symptoms of the disease. For treatment, modern drugs are used, which are part of the latest world recommendations for the treatment of cancer.

Causes

Experts in the field of oncology have not yet been able to establish the exact causes that contribute to the occurrence of breast cancer. According to statistical calculations, this oncological pathology is more often diagnosed in women. The development of breast malignancy in men is extremely rare. Several factors are responsible for how quickly breast cancer develops. These include the type of tumor, stage of development, and individual characteristics of the body. Among the main reasons for the development of tumors in the mammary gland are:

Presence of changes in the reproductive system. This group of predisposing factors includes early onset of the menstrual cycle (before 9 years), pregnancy after 30 years, nulliparous women, and refusal to breastfeed. All these conditions contribute to the formation of malignant breast tumors.
Hereditary predisposition. One of the causes of breast cancer in women is a family history of this disease. However, oncologists do not identify this predisposing factor as the main one. About 5-10% of cases of breast tumor development are associated with heredity.
Aggravated gynecological anamnesis. Often recurrent inflammation of the pelvic organs, irregular menstrual cycle, high number of abortions, infertility, diagnosed ovarian cysts increase the possibility of developing malignant breast formation. This group of risk factors refers to precancerous diseases.
The presence of benign breast formations without correct therapy increases the risk of their malignancy. Fibroadenoma and mastopathy of the mammary gland are precancerous diseases.
Pathology of the endocrine system. Common causes of predisposition to the development of breast cancer are obesity, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome.
Impact of external factors. Smoking, an unbalanced and irrational diet with increased carbohydrate intake, overwork, stressful situations, living in areas with increased radioactive radiation, and exposure to chemicals increase the risk of developing a breast tumor.

Classification

Breast tumor differentiation occurs according to several criteria. There is a classification of breast cancer depending on the structure of the tumor, its shape and location. Determining the exact type of tumor focus allows the doctor to prescribe the correct therapy.

Depending on the structure there are:

Non-invasive breast cancer. Characterized by the location of cancer cells within one part of the gland.
Invasive breast carcinoma. The tumor process spreads from one breast structure to others.

Depending on the form and clinical manifestations, the following types of breast cancer are distinguished:

Nodal. One of the most common forms of breast tumor. Most often localized in the central and upper outer part of the mammary gland. The tumor process spreads to tissues, muscles and skin.
Diffuse. It is characterized by rapid development, involvement of lymph nodes in the tumor process, as well as an increase in the size of the mammary gland. There are:

Edema-infiltrative form. It is characterized by an acute course of the process. It is most common in women during pregnancy and lactation. This form of breast cancer is accompanied by swelling of the mammary gland due to the rapid spread of the tumor process to nearby lymph nodes and vessels.
Mastitis-like cancer. A malignant form of the tumor process, characterized by rapid development of the process. Clinical manifestations of this form of cancer are swelling of the mammary gland, redness of the skin, and increased body temperature.
Erysipelas-like cancer. It has similar symptoms to erysipelas. This form of tumor is characterized by the appearance of a red spot on the skin of the affected breast. Body temperature also rises, and when palpating the breast, a lump is detected.
Armor cancer. The tumor process affects breast tissue, skin, and subcutaneous fat. At the same time, the breast affected by the cancer tumor decreases in size, becomes inactive, and has an uneven surface.
Nipple cancer (Paget's cancer). The tumor is located in the area of the nipple and areola of the mammary gland. The clinical picture is accompanied by the appearance of eczema-like changes in the skin.

How quickly does the disease develop?

Breast cancer spreads in several ways:

Milk ducts;
Along the lymphatic vessels;
Through blood vessels.

Researchers note that at a young age, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and during the premenopausal period, aggressive, fast-growing forms of breast cancer appear more often. This is explained by the influence of hormones on the female body, increased blood circulation in the mammary glands during this period of life. In old age, slow-growing malignant tumors mainly develop. They are not aggressive and progress quickly.

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Stages of breast cancer

Depending on the degree of development of the oncological formation, the following stages of breast cancer are distinguished.

Zero. Characterized by the absence of spread of cancer cells beyond the breast.
First. The tumor is up to 2 cm in diameter and does not affect nearby lymph nodes.
Second. The size of the tumor reaches more than 5 cm. The process spreads to regional lymph nodes.
Third. It is divided into two types, in which the tumor is more than 5 cm in diameter, affects the lymph nodes, and also grows on the skin and chest wall.
Fourth. Cancer grows beyond the breast, affecting the lymph nodes of the neck, lungs, and liver. Characterized by the presence of metastases.

Determining the stage of breast cancer is necessary to prescribe appropriate therapy. Detection of cancer at stages zero, first and second increases the chances of successfully getting rid of cancer.

Size	Lymph node involvement	Metastases
0	Less than 2 cm	Absent	None
1	The tumor size is less than 2 cm	Absent	Absent
2A	The tumor has a diameter of more than 2 cm	Absent	The tumor grows into neighboring tissues
2B	Tumor size from 2 to 5 cm	The tumor process spreads to regional lymph nodes	The cancerous process penetrates the skin and fatty tissue
3A	The diameter of the neoplasm is more than 5 cm	Nearby lymph nodes are affected	Appear in muscles, tissue, skin
3B	Tumor size more than 5 cm	Spread of the process to the parasternal, axillary and subclavian lymph nodes	Appear in muscles, tissue, skin
4	The diameter of the formation is more than 5 cm	The lymph nodes of the neck, lungs, and liver are affected.	Multiple

Breast structure

The content of the article

The structure of the breast consists of glandular and fatty tissue, as well as nerve and lymphatic tissue. The chest or mammary gland (Latin Mamma, Greek Mastos) lies on the pectoralis major muscle and extends from the 2nd to 6th ribs.

The female breast is a complex gland consisting of 15-20 individual glands. Each of them, together with connective and adipose tissue, forms one lobe. The lobes are separated from each other by connective tissue, and each of them has a drainage channel (duct), which connect and end in a funnel-shaped expansion on the nipple. Around the nipple is a darker pigmented band called the areola.

Signs of breast cancer at an early stage

Detection of breast cancer most often occurs at a late stage of development of the tumor process. This is due to the absence of specific symptoms in the first stages of the disease. In this regard, there is a delay in the population seeking medical help. The first signs of breast cancer include:

The presence of a painless lump in the mammary gland. The formation can be detected by independent palpation of the breast.
Pain or discomfort in the chest area.
Nipple discharge.
Changing the shape of the breast.
An increase in the size of the lymph nodes in the axillary region on one side.

The appearance of one of the early symptoms of breast cancer is a reason to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Breast cancer: symptoms and signs

The severity of clinical symptoms of breast cancer increases as the process progresses. Ignoring the first signs of the disease can lead to a significant deterioration of the condition. The main symptoms characteristic of a malignant neoplasm of the breast include:

Education in the mammary gland. This symptom appears one of the first. At first, the lump may be painless and small in size. As the tumor develops, the formation increases in size. Accordingly, pain appears on palpation. It is possible to detect a lump in the breast at the initial stage with regular self-examination of the mammary glands.
Pathological discharge from the chest. A characteristic feature of this symptom is the lack of connection between the discharge and the menstrual cycle. In the early stages of breast tumor disease, the amount of discharge is considered insignificant. Progression of the process leads to an increase in the volume of discharge. They can be transparent, bloody, mixed with pus. In the later stages of cancer, poorly healing wounds appear that turn into ulcers.
Breast deformation. Significant changes in breast shape and size occur in advanced stages of cancer. Hyperemia of the skin located above the tumor appears. Skin color changes from pink to brown as breast cancer progresses. An oncological tumor of the breast is characterized by the presence of elongation or flattening of the gland. Nipple retraction may occur. This symptom is more pronounced with significant development of the breast tumor process.
Lymphadenopathy. Enlarged lymph nodes in the axillary region on one side indicate the possible presence of cancer in the mammary gland.

The appearance of one of the main symptoms of breast cancer requires immediate consultation with a doctor. Timely diagnosis will ensure early detection of cancer and appropriate treatment.

In addition to the main clinical signs of breast cancer, experts identify nonspecific symptoms characteristic of a breast tumor. These include:

Increased body temperature. The severity of the symptom depends on the degree of development of the oncological process.
Symptoms of body intoxication. This group of manifestations of breast cancer includes weakness, fatigue, drowsiness, apathy, nausea, periodic vomiting not associated with meals, and headache.
Muscle pain. Characterized by mild severity in the early stages of tumor development.
Nervous system disorder. Irritability, anxiety, tearfulness, and sleep disturbance appear.

As the malignant tumor progresses, metastasis to nearby organs and tissues is possible. Depending on the location of the metastases, corresponding clinical symptoms appear. For example, with metastases in the lungs, a cough appears.

Breast cancer is characterized by the presence of some specific symptoms. Their determination makes it possible to clarify the development of the tumor process in the breast. Among such signs are:

Kernig's sign. The thickening and decreased elasticity of breast tissue is determined. This occurs due to the spread of the oncological process to nearby lymph nodes and vessels.
Symptom of umbilization. It is characterized by retraction of the skin at the site of breast cancer.
"Site" symptom. In the place where the tumor is located, deformation of the skin occurs when it is compressed.
Pribram's sign. This symptom is characterized by displacement of the tumor when the nipple is pulled up.
Krause's sign. Determined by the presence of thickening of the skin of the areola.
Payra's symptom. When the breast is compressed on both sides, a skin fold is formed.

The determination of the above symptoms is carried out by a mammologist. The combination of clinical symptoms and specific signs allows us to determine the presence of breast cancer. For a complete diagnosis, instrumental and laboratory studies are necessary.

Metastases

In breast cancer, the appearance of metastatic lesions occurs in the early stages. The spread of metastases occurs through lymphogenous and hematogenous routes. A feature of breast malignancy is the long-term persistence of metastases in a latent state. In accordance with the route of spread, the following possible localization of metastases is distinguished:

Regional lymph nodes. The spread of the tumor occurs through the lymphogenous route. In this case, the thoracic, axillary, periosternal, sub- and supraclavicular lymph nodes are affected.
Brain. Tumor cells reach the organ through the blood. Metastatic brain damage is characterized by headache, weakness in the limbs, and blurred vision. The development of mental disorders and seizures is possible.
Lungs. Cancer cells reach the lungs by hematogenous route. Metastases cause cough with or without sputum. The progression of the oncological process inhibits the functioning of the lung tissue, which is accompanied by shortness of breath with minor physical exertion, and subsequently at rest.
Liver. Metastases enter the organ through the bloodstream. Such a lesion is characterized by the appearance of abdominal pain of varying severity, heaviness and bloating. As the tumor develops, jaundice develops, a sharp weight loss occurs, and fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity is possible.
Bones and vertebrae. The hematogenous route of metastasis affects the bone structure. Bone metastases are characterized by pain that intensifies after a few weeks. The pain syndrome is relieved by taking potent analgesics. When the metastatic lesion is localized in the vertebrae, back pain and numbness of the limbs appear. Due to damage to the nerve roots, urinary and fecal incontinence may develop.

Symptoms of breast cancer in the circulatory system

If the tumor spreads through the blood vessels, then most often metastases are found in the following organs and tissues:

bones. Symptoms: large metastases can disrupt the integrity of the periosteum, causing severe pain. Bone mineral density decreases, leading to fractures. A special case is a fracture of the vertebrae, which results in the so-called. compression (radicular)
lungs. Symptoms: when they enter the lungs, tumor cells usually form several separate groups that form multiple metastases. Their development causes depression of pulmonary function, manifested by shortness of breath (dyspnea). When the bronchi are damaged, a painful dry cough develops (if nearby blood vessels rupture - cough
brain. Symptoms: as metastases grow, they begin to put pressure on neurons, which causes their irritation (resulting in seizures) or partial shutdown (resulting in loss of mobility, loss of vision, sensitivity, etc.). Since the skull is a limited space, there comes a time when it becomes too crowded for neurons and tumor cells. A sign of this is headaches with gradually increasing intensity.
liver. Symptoms: once in the liver, tumor cells begin to grow rapidly, destroying hepatocytes, as a result of which the level of transaminases in the blood sharply increases (this is clearly visible in a laboratory blood test). When the tumor compresses the bile ducts, bile accumulates, and the patient’s skin acquires a yellow tint.

Diagnosis of breast cancer

To determine the presence of a malignant breast tumor, a comprehensive diagnosis is carried out, including a clinical examination, laboratory and instrumental studies. At the initial visit, the doctor makes a detailed collection of complaints and a history of the development of the disease. After this, a clinical examination of the breast occurs. The specialist evaluates the following parameters:

Form
Dimensions
Symmetry
Consistency
Structurality
Skin condition
Sizes of regional lymph nodes

Particular attention is paid to identifying specific signs characteristic of breast cancer. After a clinical examination, laboratory and instrumental diagnostics are prescribed to confirm the diagnosis.

Laboratory diagnosis includes blood testing for tumor markers of breast cancer. This method is used as an auxiliary study. This is due to a possible increase in the concentration of tumor markers in a healthy body. Tumor markers determined for breast cancer include:

CA 15-3. Does not have high sensitivity for diagnosing early stage breast cancer. Therefore, it is used as a control over the course of the disease.
CA 72-4. This tumor marker determines the presence of a malignant neoplasm of glandular origin. Normally, the tumor marker is not detected in the human body.
REA. An increase in the level of cancer embryonic antigen most likely determines the presence of a tumor process. This tumor marker is used for primary diagnosis, as well as to monitor the course of a malignant neoplasm.

Instrumental diagnostic methods include several studies that make it possible to establish the location, size, type and stage of a breast tumor.

Ultrasound of the mammary glands. Ultrasound examination allows you to determine the presence of a pathological focus at an early stage of the disease. In addition, it is used to monitor the progression of the tumor. Breast cancer on ultrasound appears as a structure with unclear contours, leading to the destruction of nearby tissue. The breast tumor has a dense consistency. It is important to perform a breast ultrasound during a period of minimal estrogen levels in the body. The ideal time for diagnostics is 5-9 days of the menstrual cycle.
Mammography. X-ray examination of the breast refers to the early diagnosis of the tumor process. Mammography allows you to determine the location and size of the cancer lesion. Mammography is included in the list of preventive tests to detect breast cancer.
MRI. A highly accurate study that allows you to assess the location and size of the tumor focus in the mammary gland. Annual MRI diagnostics are recommended for women with a family history.
Ductography. This research method is used to determine the causes of nipple discharge. Using an x-ray, the gland duct is examined and the presence of a pathological focus is revealed.
Biopsy. This study is necessary to clarify the structure of breast cancer. Using a biopsy, a histological examination of a biopsy taken from a tumor formation is performed. After diagnosis, specialists establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment. Without histological confirmation of breast cancer, the diagnosis is not made.
Immunohistochemistry. A modern method for diagnosing oncological diseases, based on the use of labeled antibodies from a tumor fragment. Such diagnostics make it possible to determine the type of breast cancer and the presence or absence of metastases.

An integrated approach to diagnosing breast cancer is the key to timely detection of the tumor process. Accurate determination of the location, size and structure of the pathological focus is necessary to prescribe the correct treatment.

The modern equipment of the Yusupov Hospital allows for accurate diagnosis of breast cancer. Highly qualified specialists of the clinic conduct research and interpret the results obtained in the shortest possible time. Thanks to this, an accurate diagnosis is made and appropriate treatment is prescribed.

Breast cancer treatment

For successful treatment of breast cancer, complex therapy is used, including:

Surgical intervention.
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Targeted therapy
Hormone therapy
Immunotherapy

Treatment is prescribed after a complete diagnosis of the breast tumor. The doctor determines the size, location, stage and structure of breast cancer, after which the appropriate therapy is selected. Modern treatment methods make it possible to get rid of cancer and save the lives of many patients. Breast cancer is not a death sentence. A timely identified problem will allow the necessary treatment to be carried out in the shortest possible time. Doctors at the Yusupov Hospital have many years of experience in dealing with such diseases. In their work, the clinic’s specialists are guided by the latest recommendations for the treatment of oncological pathology. Diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer are carried out using modern equipment.

Breast reconstruction after mastectomy (breast removal)

There are several breast reconstruction techniques, and the choice depends on the underlying disease and the age of the patient.

Primary breast reconstruction is performed simultaneously with the operation of the underlying disease, and secondary reconstruction means a subsequent operation after some time.

Indications for primary breast reconstruction are highly motivated patients in the first and second stages of the disease with an appropriate ratio of tumor size to breast size.

Contraindications to primary breast reconstruction include diabetes, obesity, smoking, cardiovascular disease and mental disorders. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are not contraindications for primary breast reconstruction.

Breast reconstruction can be performed with a silicone implant, a tissue expander, or using your own tissue.

Surgical treatment of breast cancer

The main treatment for breast cancer is surgery. Depending on the stage of the tumor, the following types of surgical intervention are used:

1. Organ-preserving. Allows you to remove only the tumor and adjacent tissue. With this type of operation, most of the mammary gland is preserved. Contraindications for organ-preserving surgery are:

Tumor size greater than 5 cm
Late stage of development of the tumor process
Presence of metastases
Tumors localized near the nipple
Multiple lesions

2. Mastectomy. It consists of complete removal of the mammary gland due to the extensive spread of the tumor process. There are several types of mastectomy:

Simple. It involves removing the mammary gland without resection of the lymph nodes.
Modified radical. The essence of the operation is the total removal of breast tissue and lymph nodes. Indicated for invasive cancer and suspected spread of the process beyond the breast.
Radical. It consists of total removal of the mammary gland, lymph nodes, and chest muscles. With the development of surgical techniques, surgeons are increasingly resorting to this method of treatment.
Subcutaneous. The entire breast is removed except the nipple. This method is not generally accepted due to the risk of disease relapse.

After surgery to remove the tumor process, reconstructive plastic surgery is indicated. Its goal is to restore the shape of the mammary gland. For this, the patient’s own muscles or special implants are used.

Where to go?

The best option is to get diagnosed in Israel. Thanks to the skill of doctors and the latest equipment, Israeli oncologists often revise the diagnoses made by their colleagues from abroad. As a result, some of our patients are surprised to learn that they do not have breast cancer at all - it also happens that the symptoms indicate another disease, much less dangerous.

We suggest you contact oncology and undergo diagnostics in Israel , with leading oncologist professors. Examination methods may vary. First, you will be examined by a doctor, then a mammogram will be scheduled. A biopsy determines how the tumor has spread. Next, an MRI is performed to clarify the data from other examinations. Then the final diagnosis is made.

just 4 days you will receive an accurate answer as to whether you have breast cancer, and if not, you will be told what the characteristic symptoms and signs indicate. We will draw up a treatment program that can begin in our clinic within a few days.

Radiation therapy

Comprehensive treatment for breast cancer includes radiation therapy. It is used for the final impact on the lesion, as well as to alleviate the patient’s condition in the later stages of the tumor. There are several methods of radiation therapy:

Preoperative. This method of therapy is used to convert an inoperable tumor into an operable one.
Postoperative. It is carried out to affect the remaining cancer cells, as well as regional lymph nodes.
Palliative. Prescribed to alleviate the condition of patients with inoperable breast cancer.

The mammary gland and nearby lymph nodes can be irradiated. The duration of the course is determined depending on the stage, structure and localization of education. On average, radiation therapy lasts about 6 weeks.

Hormone therapy

One of the common causes of breast tumor development is hormonal imbalance in a woman. The use of hormone therapy as part of complex treatment of breast cancer is justified in the presence of a hormone-dependent tumor. The main goal of this treatment method is to block the action of hormones. Among the drugs used in hormone therapy are:

Selective estrogen receptor modulators. The drug in this group is tamoxifen. It actively blocks estrogen receptors, thereby leading the cancer cell to death.
Aromatase inhibitors. The action is based on reducing estrogen production. The drugs in this group are Arimidex, Aromasin, Femara.
drugs that destroy estrogen receptors. Faslodex is considered approved for use in Russia.

The duration of the course is determined by the attending physician. It is influenced by the body's susceptibility, concomitant treatment, as well as the stage and structure of the tumor.

How the quality of medications affects the cure for breast cancer

The treatment protocol for breast cancer includes chemotherapy and sometimes hormonal and targeted drugs. At the same time, the quality of drugs is crucial for the prognosis of the disease. To avoid counterfeiting, it is best to purchase drugs for cancer treatment in Israel.

In Israel you will not be sold counterfeit medicines.
The Israeli Ministry of Health is the guarantor of the authenticity and high quality of medicines. It organizes inspections of pharmacies and control purchases of drugs. At the same time, pharmacies and pharmacists bear liability (including criminal liability) for the sale of low-quality drugs.
It does not take long for new drugs to be approved in Israel.
Licensing of drugs in this country is organized in such a way that all effective drugs appearing in the world are quickly licensed and introduced into widespread clinical practice.
The Israeli company TEVA is a leader in the global pharmaceutical industry.
Its products are used in 60 countries.

Chemotherapy

Comprehensive treatment for breast cancer includes chemotherapy. For this purpose, cytostatics are used - drugs that have an inhibitory effect on cancer cells. The preferred route of drug administration is intravenous infusion and oral administration. There are two types of chemotherapy for breast cancer:

Adjuvant (neoadjuvant). Refers to a preventive treatment method. Adjuvant chemotherapy is given after surgery to target remaining tumor sites. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is prescribed before surgery to determine the sensitivity of the tumor to therapy.
Therapeutic. The goal of this type of chemotherapy is to reduce the size of the cancer lesion in the mammary gland. Therefore, it is carried out before surgery. The positive effect of treatment allows you to reduce the volume of surgical intervention.

The duration of chemotherapy for breast cancer depends on the individual reaction of the body, the stage of the tumor and its structure. The duration is determined by the attending physician and can be several months.

A significant disadvantage of chemotherapy is the large number of side effects. Common symptoms include:

Targeted therapy

A breakthrough in modern breast cancer therapy lies in the development of a method that allows targeted action on the tumor. For this purpose, targeted drugs are used. Unlike chemotherapy, this method does not affect healthy cells. This allows you to minimize the occurrence of side effects. Targeted drugs are used as independent therapy, as well as in combination with other methods of treating breast cancer. The following targeted drugs are used for the treatment of breast malignancy:

Estrogen receptor blockers. This group of drugs includes tamoxifen, toremifene, fulvestrant. They are used to reduce the level of estrogen receptors, thereby causing the death of cancer cells.
Aromatase inhibitors. Used to reduce the level of the aromatase enzyme, which is actively involved in the production of estrogen. This action causes a decrease in its concentration, provoking the death of the tumor cell. The scope of use of drugs in this group is limited. They are prescribed to women during menopause, because it is not possible to suppress aromatase with medications when the ovaries are functioning. Aromatase inhibitors include exemestane, letrozole, and anastrozole.
Inhibitors (blockers) of PARP protein. They belong to one of the most promising groups of targeted drugs. The point of application of PARP protein blockers is damaged DNA. This group of medications includes olaparib, iniparib, and veliparib.
Selective growth factor blockers. Targeted drugs in this group include bevacizumab, panitumumab, cetuximab, trastuzumab. The action of the drugs is based on inhibiting the development of the vascular network around the tumor focus. This helps slow the growth of breast cancer.

Targeted therapy for breast cancer is prescribed for local action on the tumor site. However, some side effects may develop, including chills and increased body temperature. Symptoms are relieved by taking nonspecific anti-inflammatory drugs. The prescription of targeted therapy drugs is carried out exclusively by an experienced doctor after previous diagnosis.

Immunotherapy

This treatment method is based on using the strength of your own immune system. For a long time it was believed that tumors do not respond to immune therapy. However, experts have established certain types of immunotherapy that can successfully combat malignant neoplasms. Such treatment is part of complex therapy for breast cancer. There are two types of immunotherapy:

Active. In this case, the immune system's own cells are used.
Passive. Special factors are introduced into the body to enhance the body’s protective functions.

For immunotherapy, drugs from the group of monoclonal antibodies are used. There are currently several approved agents, which include trastuzumab, pertuzumab and trastuzumab emtansine. The indication for the use of such therapy is a HER2-positive type of tumor. This can be diagnosed using molecular genetic analysis.

Prognosis and life expectancy

Breast cancer is considered one of the most common cancer pathologies in women. The frequency of detection of malignant neoplasms depends on many factors. The absence of specific clinical symptoms at an early stage contributes to the population’s late seeking of medical help. This leads to increased mortality from breast tumors. Breast cancer treatment is considered successful if there are no relapses within 5 years. Five-year survival statistics for breast tumors at different stages of the process are as follows:

Stage 0	Patient survival after 5 years is 100%
Stage 1	About 90% of patients live more than 5 years
Stage 2	The average survival rate for this stage of breast cancer is 60-70%
Stage 3	Survival rate is about 10-50%
Stage 4	The late stage of breast cancer is accompanied by a severe course. Metastatic lesions appear. The survival rate with a diagnosis of this stage is less than 5%.

Nutrition for breast cancer

Nutrition for breast cancer should consist of healthy foods rich in vitamins. Non-dietary meats, animal fats, fried, salted and smoked products, and canned food should be excluded. Sea fish and poultry meat should be included in the diet. The patient should be provided with a sufficient amount of vegetables and fruits. The diet includes whole grains and legumes. To maintain skeletal health, it is recommended to take 2 grams of calcium every day. You should not take dietary supplements containing phytoestrogens. Women with hormone-dependent forms of cancer are not recommended to include soy and soy products in their menu. You should limit sugar and give up alcohol.

Prevention

In order to detect a breast tumor at an early stage, it is necessary to carry out preventive measures. Due to the fact that breast tumors do not have specific causes of development, there is no specific prevention of the pathology. However, following some recommendations will help minimize the risk of breast cancer. These include:

Regular self-examination. To do this, it is necessary to examine the breast for the presence of lumps, changes in the skin, and also pay attention to discharge from the nipple. The appearance of any changes requires immediate consultation with a doctor for a detailed diagnosis.
Pregnancy and childbirth up to 30 years. With age, the possibility of developing a breast tumor increases. Pregnancy before age 30 will reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.
Annual screening study. A blood test for tumor markers, mammography, ultrasound of the mammary glands, MRI of the breast in case of a family history will help identify cancer at an early stage.
Eating fresh foods. The presence of carcinogens in food has a negative effect on the body. The risk of developing a breast tumor increases. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully choose products, adhering to a balanced and rational diet.

Prevention of breast cancer should be carried out constantly. This is the only way to avoid missing early signs of the development of a tumor process and to seek medical help in a timely manner.

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Treatment of breast cancer in Moscow

Doctors at Moscow's Yusupov Hospital are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Many years of experience in the fight against cancer pathology allows specialists to quickly and accurately conduct the necessary examinations and make the correct diagnosis. Services are provided in the shortest possible time using high-precision equipment. Treatment of breast cancer in Moscow guarantees compliance with all the latest recommendations for the treatment of cancer. You can make an appointment with an oncologist, as well as clarify the cost of treatment, by phone.

How can I purchase Israeli-made medicines?

After examination in Israel.
If you undergo diagnostics at the Ichilov Cancer Center, the doctor will prescribe medications for you, which you can purchase at an Israeli pharmacy.
In the country where the patient lives.
The telemedicine program developed at the Ichilov Cancer Center allows a patient from abroad to receive a video consultation with an Israeli doctor and a treatment protocol without leaving home. At the patient’s request, the oncology center will send him the prescribed medications (home delivery is possible).