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19 October marks World Breast Cancer Day, a date dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of prevention and early diagnosis in the battle against this disease. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women and, although survival rates have improved exponentially in recent decades, early diagnosis remains key to treatment.
Medical tests are essential to detect breast cancer as early as possible and to guide appropriate care if there is a diagnosis of breast cancer.
It is usual to request a specific combination of tests according to the patient’s particular situation. These may include imaging tests, physical examinations, a biopsy or other tests, which may be done as part of the breast cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment or supportive care and monitoring process.
- Screening tests: Routine screening tests (such as annual mammograms ) are used to detect breast cancer early. used to detect breast cancer early, before symptoms develop.
- Diagnostic tests: Diagnostic tests (such as biopsies) are indicated when your doctor suspects you may have breast cancer . doctor suspects that you may have breast cancer, both because of symptoms and the result of a screening test.
- Prognostic and predictive analyses: Prognostic analyses provide information on the likelihood that the breast cancer will grow, spread or come back after treatment (recurrence). Predictive tests help to predict what effect a specific treatment will have on disease progression. specific treatment will have on disease progression. Some tests have both prognostic and predictive use: they are used to help make decisions about the possible benefits of some treatments to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence.
- Control tests: Control tests are used during and after treatment to monitor the efficacy of treatments. treatment to monitor the effectiveness of treatments.
According to the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology, up to 30% of breast cancers may be hereditary. Therefore, in recent years, patients with a family history of breast cancer are recommended to undergo genetic testing, which may be able to predict the disease before it occurs.
The impact of early diagnosis is indisputable. According to data from the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer exceeds 90% when detected in early stages. At CQS Salud, we strive to contribute to this goal by providing our patients and healthcare professionals with high-precision diagnostic tools.
On this World Breast Cancer Day, we would like to remind all women, especially women, of the importance of regular check-ups and to consult a doctor if they notice any unusual changes in their breasts. Prevention and early diagnosis not only save lives, but also improve the quality of life of those affected by this disease.