- MEDICINE ATHENS MED4WOMAN ATHENS
- MEDICINE VOLOS MED4WOMAN VOLOS
- 2103390838
- 2421022988
Obstetrician Gynaecologist
Doctor of Medicine, University of Athens Medical School
Panagiotis Polyzos, Gynaecologist Obstetrician, is active at the Institute of Life - IVF Unit of Iaso Maternity Hospital.
In Greece, as in most Western countries, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting women and accounts for more than ¼ of all cancers.
Cancer is a disease in which cells grow abnormally and create more cells in an uncontrolled way. It begins in the tissues that make up the breast, with cancer cells forming a mass called a tumor. (Note: Not all tumours are cancerous). They can also invade surrounding tissues and spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body.
The most common types of breast cancer are:
Through routine screening, breast cancer can often be detected at an early stage, even before it has spread.
Statistics from the U.S. and Europe show that approximately 1 in 10 women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. In our country, it is estimated that about 5,000 new cases occur each year, with the disease being the most common form of cancer among Greek women. However, new treatments have already contributed to increased survival rates and continuously improving quality of life for patients. Impressive data shows that the 5-year survival rate for women with breast cancer has reached 85%, compared to about 50% in the past — largely due to early detection.
In the early stages, breast cancer does not cause signs or symptoms. However, as it grows, it begins to create changes in the appearance of the breast or abnormalities that can be detected during palpation.
Keep in mind that most breast changes are not cancer.
For example, a breast lump could be a cyst, which is filled with fluid and is not cancerous.
Early breast cancer usually does not cause pain. This is why mammography saves lives. Thanks to screening, breast cancer is often detected before a woman experiences any symptoms. It identifies cancer at an early stage, allowing for timely treatment before it spreads. However, a woman should be familiar with the normal appearance and feel of her breasts so she can report any unusual changes to her doctor. If you notice a change in your breast or experience pain, contact your doctor and schedule a consultation.
Many women of reproductive age who have successfully overcome breast cancer reasonably wonder whether they can become pregnant. According to current evidence, after five years have passed since the disease and completion of preventive hormone therapy, pregnancy does not negatively affect their condition.
It is also important to note that for women facing fertility issues, in vitro fertilization (IVF) does not increase the risk of breast cancer. In any case, for women with a history of breast cancer, surrogacy is now widely available as an option to help them achieve their goal of completing their family.
