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Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common neoplasm among women, accounting for nearly half (45%) of all cancer diagnoses. In Italy, more than 53,000 cases were estimated among the female population in 2024 (source: I numeri del cancro in Italia 2024, AIOM-AIRTUM). The average risk of developing breast cancer for a woman without specific genetic predispositions ranges between 10% and 12%.

Early diagnosis and regular screening are essential to increase the chances of recovery and reduce the risk of disease progression.

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What Is Breast Cancer?

The breast is made up of glands, ducts, and fatty tissue. Breast cancer originates from an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the ducts or the mammary glands.

Types of Breast Cancer

There are several types of breast cancer, which are classified based on their site of origin and their potential to spread:

Invasive Tumors

  • Invasive ductal carcinoma – the most common type (about 80% of cases in women). It originates in the milk ducts and can spread to the surrounding tissue.
  • Invasive lobular carcinoma – originates in the milk-producing glands and often presents as thickening or increased breast density rather than a palpable lump.

Non-Invasive Tumors

  • Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) – remains confined to the milk ducts without spreading to surrounding tissue.
  • Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) – non-invasive, but represents a risk factor for the future development of invasive cancer.

Less Common Forms

  • Paget’s disease of the nipple – affects the ducts of the nipple and the surrounding skin, causing redness and irritation.
  • Inflammatory breast cancer – an aggressive form that causes swelling and diffuse redness of the breast.
  • Breast angiosarcoma – originates from the cells of blood or lymphatic vessels; it is rare and often associated with previous radiation therapy.

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What Are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

The signs of breast cancer can vary, but the most common include:

  • Skin changes, such as redness or an orange-peel appearance.
  • Changes in the shape or size of the breast.
  • Breast pain or itching.
  • The presence of a lump or thickening of breast tissue.
  • Nipple retraction or discharge.

It is important to perform regular breast self-examinations and, if there are any concerns or changes, to promptly consult a specialist.

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How Do You Diagnose Breast Cancer?

The diagnostic process often begins with a clinical breast examination, performed by a gynecologist or breast specialist. During the visit, the specialist assesses for any lumps, thickening, or changes in breast tissue and the nipples. The consultation also allows the collection of important information about family history, risk factors, and any symptoms reported by the patient.

The main diagnostic tools include:

  • Mammography – the most effective radiological exam for detecting early-stage tumors, even before they are palpable. High-resolution digital mammography can identify microcalcifications and small suspicious masses.
  • Breast ultrasound – especially useful in younger women or in cases of dense breast tissue, it helps distinguish between solid nodules and cysts.
  • Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – indicated in selected cases, such as patients with high genetic risk, or to better evaluate lesions already identified by other exams.
  • Breast biopsy – if imaging tests detect a suspicious area, tissue is sampled for histological analysis, which confirms the presence of cancer cells and defines the type and biological characteristics.

The combination of clinical, imaging, and histological exams allows for the early detection of breast cancer, assessment of disease extent, and planning of a personalized treatment pathway.

Early diagnosis of breast cancer is essential to increase the chances of recovery and reduce the risk of disease progression. Unlike many other conditions, many breast cancers begin without obvious symptoms, making regular screening an essential tool for secondary prevention.

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How Do You Treat Breast Cancer?

The treatment plan for breast cancer is highly personalized and depends on several factors, including:

  • Extent of the disease.
  • Patient’s age.
  • Any associated medical conditions.
  • Patient preferences regarding breast conservation.
  • Type and stage of the tumor.

The goal is always to eliminate the cancer, preserve quality of life, and, when possible, maintain breast functionality.

The main treatment options include:

Surgery

Surgery is the primary treatment for early-stage or localized tumors. The choice of procedure depends on the size of the lesion and the patient’s characteristics.

  • Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy or quadrantectomy) – involves removing only the tumor tissue along with a small margin of healthy tissue. This technique allows most of the breast to be preserved, reducing aesthetic and psychological impact.
  • Mastectomy – involves removing the entire breast and, in some cases, the axillary lymph nodes or surrounding tissues if affected by the tumor. Reconstruction may be performed immediately or later to restore breast shape.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses specific drugs to block the growth and spread of cancer cells. It can be administered at different times:

  • Neoadjuvant – before surgery, to shrink the tumor and make it easier to remove.
  • Adjuvant – after surgery, often in combination with radiotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence.
  • Palliative – in advanced or metastatic cases, to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy remaining cancer cells after surgery or to treat inoperable lesions. It can be:

  • Complementary to surgery – to reduce the risk of local recurrence.
  • Exclusive treatment – when surgery is not possible.
  • Radio-chemotherapy – in combination with chemotherapy drugs to enhance effectiveness.

Modern radiotherapy techniques, such as stereotactic radiotherapy, allow the dose to be concentrated on tumor areas, sparing surrounding healthy tissue and reducing side effects.

Targeted and Hormonal Therapies

Some breast cancers have specific receptors or genetic alterations that can be targeted with targeted drugs or hormonal therapies.
These treatments work by blocking growth signals in cancer cells and are integrated into the treatment plan based on the tumor’s biological profile.

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Reviewed January 2026.