"Women with a hereditary genetic mutation for breast cancer, women with a family history, for example breast cancer in their mother or sister, and women who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer are particularly at risk," explains Dr. Denjean. The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. Hormonal influences can also affect the risk of developing breast cancer. For example, there is an increased risk of breast cancer with an early first period, late menopause, childlessness or long-term hormone replacement therapy during the menopause. According to the doctor, lifestyle also has an influence: Being overweight, lack of exercise, increased alcohol consumption and long-term smoking can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Pregnancy and breastfeeding, on the other hand, reduce the risk.
Advances in treatment
Medicine has made great progress in recent years. "Because breast cancer is so common, it is the subject of intensive research. In recent years, treatment has changed a lot thanks to new personalized and targeted treatment approaches with completely new groups of drugs," says the doctor. The new drugs have led to improved chances of recovery and a lower mortality rate. "Operations are now also significantly less invasive, less extensive and associated with fewer complications," says the doctor.
Why early detection is so crucial
"If breast cancer is detected at a very early stage or preliminary stage, the prognosis is very good and the chance of recovery is almost 100 percent," says Dr. Denjean. However, the more advanced the stage at the time of diagnosis, the worse the chances of survival and cure.
People with statutory health insurance can take advantage of preventive examinations at an early stage: From the age of 20, gynecological check-ups are covered, and from the age of 30, breast palpation examinations are also covered. Women between the ages of 50 and 70 are also invited to have a mammogram every two years as part of the screening program.
Methods of screening
Breast palpation can detect findings from a size of around 1 to 1.5 centimetres, depending on how experienced the person performing the palpation is, how soft the breast tissue is and the size of the breast being examined. Breast ultrasound is a painless and non-invasive examination method. Breast mammography is an X-ray examination that is associated with a low level of radiation exposure. The benefits of mammography for the early detection of breast cancer are scientifically well documented, so that all women between the ages of 50 and 70 are invited to undergo mammography breast cancer screening every two years. Participation is voluntary.
However, even though all methods are very safe, they each have limitations. "Every early detection method also carries the risk of false positives and false negatives. On the other hand, there is the clear benefit that many breast cancer diagnoses are detected at an early stage through early detection, which significantly increases and improves the chances of recovery," summarizes Dr. Denjean.
What women can do themselves
In addition to medical screening, women can actively contribute to their own health. "I recommend that every woman perform a breast self-examination once a month so that it becomes a routine." A good time, for example, is always in the first half of the menstrual cycle. If you feel anything abnormal, you should have it checked out by a doctor as soon as possible.
Cancer prevention weeks in the Ludwigsburg district
The Health Promotion and Health Planning Department of the Ludwigsburg District Office is organizing the "Cancer Prevention Weeks" from the beginning of September to mid-October 2025 (calendar weeks 36 to 41). With numerous campaigns and information offers, the population will be made aware of the importance of prevention and early detection and motivated to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Further information on the dates and offers of the cancer prevention weeks in the district of Ludwigsburg can be found at www.landkreis-ludwigsburg.de/de/gesundheit-veterinaerwesen/gesundheit/praevention-und-gesundheitsfoerderung/aktionen-projekte/
