Vienna is setting an example in October: strengthening breast cancer awareness
Vienna is sending a strong message against breast cancer in October. Find out how local clinics provide comprehensive support to patients and the importance of early detection.
Vienna is setting an example in October: strengthening breast cancer awareness
During October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Vienna highlights the need to raise awareness of this important health issue. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and it is estimated that around one in ten women will be diagnosed with this diagnosis in their lifetime. On the occasion of this campaign, the clinics of the Vienna Health Association are presenting their comprehensive services, which range from diagnosis to aftercare.
Last year, around 5,600 patients with breast cancer were treated in Vienna clinics. “If the disease is recognized early and treated according to treatment guidelines, it is very treatable,” explainedSenior physician Heidemarie Uher, a specialist at the Breast Health Center at the Landstrasse Clinic. Your institute faced an enormous challenge last year: around 25,200 patients sought help in the six breast health centers, often wanting to have their symptoms clarified.
Holistic approach to treatment
The approach to the treatment of breast cancer is characterized by close collaboration between different disciplines. From confirming the diagnosis and further examinations to oncological therapies and aftercare – everything happens under one roof. Patients receive not only medical but also psychological support from specially trained breast care nurses who accompany them throughout the entire treatment process.
The Breast Health Center at the Landstrasse Clinic cared for around 4,500 patients last year. The interdisciplinary tumor board determines the best possible treatment path for each patient. Experts from radiology, pathology, gynecology, surgery, plastic surgery as well as oncology and psychology are involved in developing a tailor-made therapy plan. This comprehensive care ensures that patients are best prepared for their path to healing.
Early detection remains crucial
Early detection of breast cancer significantly increases the chances of survival. Statistics show that approximately 80% of patients live five years after their breast cancer diagnosis. In order to improve these rates, there has been a free early detection program in Austria for ten years, which is intended to particularly appeal to women between the ages of 45 and 74. However, despite this opportunity, less than half of women take advantage of this service, which poses a major challenge for health authorities.
“The survival rate depends heavily on the stage at which the cancer is discovered and on the aggressiveness of the cancer cells,” emphasizes Uher. For many women, a timely examination could make all the difference. In Vienna, great importance is therefore placed on education and awareness-raising measures in this sensitive area.
The comprehensive information about the offers and the support system in Vienna is necessary to encourage those affected to use the available resources. How www.5min.at reported, Breast Cancer Month October will be used in all clinics to raise awareness among the population and disseminate important information.