Breast cancer | Clinique La Rive

Predisposition

Certain lifestyle factors increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer by influencing hormone levels, inflammation, and cellular processes.

Obesity

Postmenopausal women with excess body fat have higher estrogen levels, promoting tumor growth.

Physical inactivity

Linked to excess body fat and hormonal imbalance.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Prolonged use of combined estrogen-progesterone therapy increases the risk.

Alcohol

Increases estrogen levels and DNA damage.

Symptoms

Early detection improves outcomes. Recognizing the symptoms is crucial for rapid intervention.

Mass in the breast

Discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.

Nipple discharge

Indicates a decrease in oxygen supply due to restricted blood flow.

Skin changes

Pecks, redness, or thickenings that look like orange skin.

Breast pain

Rare, but may occur in some cases.

Changes in the shape or size of the breasts

Asymmetry or visible differences between breasts.

Diagnostic

Comprehensive diagnostic approaches combine imaging, biomarkers, and genetic testing for accurate detection.

Mammography

Measures the number of atherogenic lipoproteins.

Ultrasound or MRI

Confirm the diagnosis by analyzing tissue samples.

Biopsy

Confirm the diagnosis by analyzing tissue samples.

HER2 test

Determines the overexpression of the HER2 protein, essential for targeted therapy.

Genetic test

BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations: Significantly increase the lifetime risk of breast cancer.

High risk
Carriers of positive mutations have up to 70% lifetime risk.

Normal
Negative for BRCA mutations.

Therapy

Treatment varies according to the stage of the cancer, the status of the receptors, and the health of the patient, with an emphasis on personalized approaches.

Chemotherapy

Systemic treatment for aggressive or metastatic cancers.

Surgical procedures

Tumorectomy for cancer at an early stage.
Mastectomy for more extensive cases or according to the patient's preference.

Targeted therapy

HER2-positive: Drugs like trastuzumab target the HER2 protein.
Immunotherapy: Emerging option for triple negative breast cancers.

Radiotherapy

Often combined with surgery to remove residual cancer cells.