Pink October: focus on breast cancer

Recent evidence shows that one in nine women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. Prof. Maria Luisa Gasparri, a professor at the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and a gynaecologist and senologist at Centro di Senologia della Svizzera Italiana, discussed this issue on Rete Uno (RSI) during the radio broadcast "La consulenza."

"There are various reasons why patients forget or avoid undergoing check-ups," explained Professor Maria Luisa Gasparri. "It can be challenging for women to balance their personal lives, family, and work. Often, when they need to make time for something, they end up sacrificing time for themselves. As a result, it's easy for long periods of time to pass between visits without them even realising it. Pink October is an annual reminder for women to prioritise and dedicate time to themselves."

Throughout the month, several initiatives are being organised to raise awareness about the topic, appropriate behaviour (such as when it is necessary to see a doctor), and options for prevention. Primary prevention aimes at reducing the risk of developing breast cancer and can be done through daily efforts, primarily through a healthy lifestyle, while secondary prevention aimes at performing an early diagnosis and involves specific screenings and exams, mainly the mammography. "In Switzerland, free mammography screening is offered by the Ticino Canton every two years to women between 50 and 70 years. However, it should be tailored to the individual's needs. For those at higher risk, more frequent check-ups may be necessary. Unfortunately, there is no specific age group at which the risk of illness disappears, so it's advisable for people, especially those at risk, to continue regular check-ups beyond the recommended intervals." Professor Gasparri pointed out. For high risk people, it is therefore important to recognise, even in men, the genetic predisposition that favours its occurrence so that they can undergo targeted preventive checks.

Professor Gasparri emphasised the importance of understanding one's own body to recognise any changes and abnormalities. "When something new appears that was not present before (such as pain or tension), it is always a good idea to have a check-up; it is therefore recommended to consult with your physician to assess the situation."

The professor explained how Centro di Senologi della Svizzera Italiana (CSSI) applies state-of-the-art techniques. These include the use of radar devices that are harmless to the patient, allowing the surgeon to remove diseased tissue in a targeted manner and sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. This procedure is both effective and minimally invasive.

Professor Gasparri, recently appointed to the board of directors of EUBREAST (European Breast Cancer Research Association of Surgical Trialists), concluded with a remark on the relationship between the clinic (i.e. direct contact with patients) and research: "It is only by directly interacting with patients that one can understand the questions that research needs to address. Therefore, the clinic is essential for a researcher. At the same time, I believe that conducting research is a professional duty for a doctor."

The complete episode of "La consulenza" is available at the following link (Italian only).