Breast cancer prevention – it’s easier than you think!

Statistics leave no doubt – approximately 5,000 Polish women die each year from breast cancer. These dramatic numbers could be reduced by performing appropriate preventive examinations, primarily breast ultrasound, mammography, and diagnostic biopsies. All these tests can be performed or ordered at the Wilmed clinic in Warsaw.

Breast cancer is a stealthy disease – it attacks women of various ages, even very young ones. Unfortunately, breast cancers still have a high mortality rate, although they can be cured if detected early. That is why prevention is so important – women should remember monthly breast self-examinations and consult a doctor whenever they feel any concerning lumps or nodules in their breasts. Preventive tests such as ultrasound and diagnostic biopsies, performed at the Wilmed clinic in Warsaw, are also very important.

Breast ultrasound – the foundation of cancer prevention

The primary examination for breast cancer prevention and early detection is ultrasound. Women should undergo it regularly from the age of 30, and earlier if there is a family history of breast cancer. Absolute indications for breast ultrasound also include breast pain and tenderness, palpable lumps or nodules, and nipple discharge. It should be noted that ultrasound is a safe, painless, and quick procedure with virtually no contraindications.

It is worth emphasizing that at Wilmed clinic, breast ultrasounds are always performed by experienced doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating breast diseases. Thanks to their knowledge, skills, and many years of experience, they can detect nodules as small as 2-3 mm during the examination. Having specialized doctors perform the tests also significantly shortens the time needed to make a diagnosis, as they can immediately order specific tests.

Mammography is also an essential test for breast cancer prevention and early detection. It involves imaging the breasts in two projections using X-ray images. Mammography allows for good assessment of, among other things, small changes in fatty breast tissue and microcalcifications. Because the procedure uses a small dose of X-ray radiation, mammography is not recommended for pregnant women.

Diagnostic biopsies

If Wilmed specialists observe any suspicious changes in the breast during ultrasound, they refer the patient for on-site diagnostic biopsies. For diagnosing changes, a core needle biopsy can be performed, which involves taking a tissue sample using a needle for histopathological examination. Another type of test is the mammotome biopsy – performed using a device called a mammotome that creates a vacuum and uses a thin 3 mm diameter needle with a rotating mechanism. The procedure is conducted under ultrasound guidance – the doctor watches the lesion on the monitor and inserts the needle into the precise location. Thanks to modern technologies, a single insertion can collect enough tissue for histopathological examination or even remove the entire lesion.

It must be emphasized once again that breast cancers detected at an early stage are curable. So let’s not forget about preventive examinations!