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Breast cancer is a common disease of women (and less commonly of men) in the Western world. It is perhaps the most common cancer in women and is the second most common cause of cancer-related death.

However, breast cancer is both preventable and treatable, especially when diagnosed in the early stages of the disease. Furthermore, recent developments in breast cancer treatment in the fields of surgery, radiotherapy and medication have contributed to the survival rates of patients increasing significantly over the last three decades.

The Athens Medical Group, understanding the magnitude of the problem within Greek society, actively participates in addressing it, through a vertically integrated and comprehensive program for women suffering from the disease.

This program is briefly summarized as follows:

• Prevention and early diagnosis (Public awareness programs, mammography screening)
• Modern radiological imaging of the breast (digital mammography, magnetic resonance mammography, ultrasound)
• Histological diagnosis through invasive radiological procedures (ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy or computed tomography).
• Detailed analysis of tumor biology through specialized histological, immunohistochemical and molecular tests.
• Tumor staging – detailed determination of the extent of the disease (early cancer, locally advanced disease, metastatic disease)
• Presentation to the Oncology Council. Interdisciplinary discussion of the case based on existing data, with the parallel participation of all involved specialties (breast surgeon, pathologist, radiation oncologist, pathologist-oncologist, psychologist, geneticist)
• Surgical treatment
• Radiotherapy
• Pharmaceutical treatment (chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, endocrine therapy)
• Administration of pharmaceutical treatment by specialized personnel in the short-term hospitalization unit
• 24-hour monitoring for any side effects
• Treatment of side effects of the disease or disease treatment in a specialized oncology clinic
• After completion of treatment, patient monitoring continues through specific programs monitoring
• Palliative care for advanced – terminal stage patients. Home care, psychological support for patients.

Pharmaceutical treatment – The role of the Pathologist – Oncologist

If pharmaceutical treatment could be expressed in one word, it would be individualization. Breast cancer is not the same for everyone. It has a different biological behavior that is detected through specialized tests based on which the specific treatment for the patient is selected. The Oncologist’s job is to select this appropriate treatment and offer it to the patient. This treatment may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and finally hormonal treatment. The doctor will discuss with the patient the treatment plan (duration, frequency, etc.), the possible side effects and how they are treated, as well as the ultimate goal of the treatment, which is the cure or long-term control of the disease.