Breast cancer - early detection, symptoms and pleural effusion
Breast cancer as a possible cause of pleuraleffusion.
Insights into facts and figures, early detection and symptoms.
October is PINK and is all about the pink bow.
Breast cancer is also an issue that concerns us, as breast cancer can be the underlying and previous cause of pleural effusion or ascites.
In this blog article you will learn more about breast cancer and the accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity, the thin gap between the chest wall and the lungs.
Breast Cancer Day, early detection, symptoms, pleural effusion.
“I still remember the exact moment when I found out about my breast cancer diagnosis. It felt like I’d been hit by a truck. The diagnosis was unbelievable for me. Like I was in a bad dream.” – Silvia, 56, Zurich
Being diagnosed with breast cancer, or cancer in general, is a big shock for most women. This was also the case for Silvia, 56, from Zurich. In order to raise awareness of breast cancer and early detection, we want to educate people about breast cancer with this blog article.
What is breast cancer? Facts and figures.
Breast cancer (mammary carcinoma) is a malignant tumor in the mammary gland. Unfortunately, breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in women. According to the Swiss Cancer League, around 6,500 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Switzerland every year.
Incidentally, men can also develop breast cancer. However, the incidence is around 50% lower.
How can breast cancer be prevented? Prevention, screening and early detection.
How can I prevent breast cancer myself?
As with any cancer, prevention through a healthy lifestyle is very important. This includes
- Balanced and healthy diet
- Abstaining from tobacco and alcohol
- Regular exercise
What screening tests are available?
The following applies to most cancers:
The earlier the cancer or malignant tumor is discovered, the greater the chances of recovery.
This also applies to breast cancer, which makes early detection and prevention all the more important.
Women aged 30 and over
- Women over 30 should palpate their breasts themselves once a month and undergo an annual palpation examination by a specialist in order to detect changes in the breast at an early stage.
Women between the ages of 50 and 74:
- Women over 50 can have a mammogram every two years at the expense of their health insurance company, IF their canton of residence participates in the screening program. In cantons without a screening program, however, the health insurance company will only pay for the examination if a doctor’s prescription is available based on the findings.
How can I feel and detect breast cancer myself?
The palpation examination by your gynaecologist is very important, but it is also important that you palpate your breasts at regular intervals. This is how you get to know your breasts, familiarize yourself with them and can better classify any abnormalities. During a self-examination, you will feel the breast, the nipple and the armpit.
How can I recognize breast cancer? Symptoms.
In the early stages, breast cancer does not cause any symptoms, but it can be detected by palpation. The following symptoms may indicate breast cancer:
- Hardening in the chest
- Breast augmentation
- Deformation of a breast
- Skin changes –> Dandruff, itching, wetness, orange peel skin
- Discharge from the nipple
- In advanced stages, breast cancer can lead to fluid accumulation around the lungs.
Breast cancer as a cause of water on the lungs - pleural effusion.
Breast cancer can cause various symptoms and side effects. One side effect can be the accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity. Colloquially, this is referred to as “water on the lungs” and in technical terms as pleural effusion.
14 percent of our patients who suffer from pleural effusion have breast cancer. This data comes from our ewimed patient questionnaire and relates to patients who we supply with our products.
Source: ewimed Report 2023
In the advanced stage of breast cancer, metastases can occur in the surrounding tissue – the cancer spreads and spreads. If breast cancer cells grow into the surrounding tissue and affect the lungs, a pleural effusion can develop.
The accumulation of water can cause patients to suffer from breathing difficulties, chest pain and coughing. You can find more symptoms and causes of water on the lungs here.
How can pleural effusion be treated and drained?
More quality of life with ewimed.
The focus is on treating the underlying disease – in this case breast cancer. ewimed offers various treatment options to drain the pleural effusion. For example, a catheter is implanted using a minimally invasive procedure. Once patients are back home, they can drain the pleural effusion safely and easily themselves. ewimed supports you with a comprehensive care concept, including personal training at home and our ewiApp, which helps with documentation and drainage.
What are the advantages of home drainage? More quality of life with ewimed.
- Improved mobility and quality of life
- Minor procedure to implant catheters
- Hospital/clinic stays are shortened or eliminated
- Low risk of infection
- Independent, fast and safe drainage from home
- No repeated punctures
Martin Giroud, our Area Manager Western Switzerland, introduces himself
Martin Giroud, our Area Manager for French-speaking Switzerland, introduces himself
June 2025
Martin Giroud, 52, is married to Céline and has three children: Gabriel, Nathan and Adrien. Family is sacred to him, even if work often takes the upper hand.
Who are you?
I am a qualified chemist HF. From my basic training, in addition to my scientific, pharmacological, pathophysiological and commercial knowledge, I have also retained an unconditional love of human contact and advising others. Before joining ewimed, I worked for several years as Area Manager for French-speaking Switzerland in numerous renowned pharmaceutical companies, in addition to managing drugstores and parapharmacies. At the same time, I have always been curious and eager to learn. As a chemist, I attended the Changins wine school, which opened the doors to international wine tasting competitions for me. Now, in my spare time, I work in our vineyard and in the family cellar with the help of my son. These activities seem to be antipodes, but they combine both in the human aspect and in the organization and rigor of work management. For me, passion is of course THE “engine” for a busy schedule. Working in the vineyard also allows me to stay “in shape” and relax in the fresh air.
My work at ewimed
I have been working at ewimed as an Area Manager since April 2014 and I am proud of it.
What I like about my work and what motivates me
The versatility of the work at ewimed gives me the opportunity to feel really useful by maintaining the traditional aspect of “representation”, but above all, and much more, by providing training both in the operating room, on the wards and at the patients’ place of life. This work allows me to have direct contact with doctors, nursing staff and patients. Being flexible, helping to solve problems in different situations, giving advice and expertise and sometimes working under time pressure are incredibly motivating for me. Every day is different and even though routine sometimes sets in, there is always a little grain of sand that presents me with new challenges.
Speaking of challenges, the integration of the ex Nufer product range has enabled me to expand my skills day by day in previously unknown areas such as obstetrics, neonatology, ultrasound and Doppler techniques. After a few “hard” months, I now feel like a fish in water here. Of course, nothing is set in stone, and in order to provide our clients with quality advice and training, I am constantly educating myself.
The fact that I have been working with an always very stable team for more than 11 years gives me security and serenity. There are frequent exchanges at all levels. Ideas are always shared in order to achieve the best for our patients and customers. The celebrations are nice because you can’t forget them. A manageable company, a management team that is always willing to listen to and support ideas and projects are a solid foundation for me, which reinforces my enthusiasm to be part of the ewimed “adventure”.
Sguardi nella vita lavorativa di Aline Chevalley
Sguardi nella vita lavorative di Aline Chevalley
November 2024
Aline Chevalley, qualified nursing specialist HF and proud mommy of a 4-year-old son, gives us valuable insights into her professional and personal life.
About me
My name is Aline Chevalley. I am a qualified nurse HF and have completed a postgraduate degree in oncology. Before joining ewimed, I was able to gain valuable professional experience in the oncology outpatient clinic at St. Gallen Cantonal Hospital. This work enabled me to experience the daily challenges, worries and hopes of patients at first hand. I was able to develop a deep understanding of the special needs and impairments that people in stressful health situations bring with them – an experience that still shapes my professional actions today and helps me to empathize with the situation of those affected.
In my free time, I like to create new memories with my family and friends or switch off and recharge my batteries with sporting activities.
My job at ewimed
I have been working as an Area Manager at ewimed Switzerland AG since October 2012. In the first few years, my focus was on working as a product specialist, which enabled me to get to know the many different applications of our products in depth and to continuously expand my knowledge in the field of medical technology. My commitment and passion for medical care led to me being entrusted with the role of Area Manager – a task that I perform with great pleasure and a sense of responsibility.
What do you like about your job at ewimed and what motivates you?
What I enjoy most about my work is the direct contact with our customers and, in the case of catheter and drainage systems, the direct connection to the patients who benefit from our solutions. It is fulfilling for me to know that these drainage systems can make many people’s lives easier and improve their quality of life. I also love the variety that comes with my position – no two days are the same and every day brings new opportunities to develop and find creative solutions to new challenges.
Another plus is the flexibility I have in my role. This allows me to find a healthy balance between my professional and private life – an aspect that ewimed actively promotes.
Team spirit and that extra something for our customers
In our experienced and close-knit sales team, we cultivate a culture of togetherness and mutual support. We not only support each other in our tasks, but also celebrate our successes as a community. At ewimed, we go the famous “extra mile” to ensure that our customers and the patients we care for receive the best possible support. It’s a great feeling to be part of a company that makes a real difference to people’s health and wellbeing through expertise, passion and innovative products.
Thank you for these exciting, personal insights into your private and professional life, Aline. It’s great to have such a loyal and motivated employee like you in the team.
Tour d'horizon with our sales manager Michèle Glanzmann
Tour d'horizon with our Sales Manager Michèle Glanzmann
July 2024
In this interview, Michèle Glanzmann, 32 years old, trained nursing specialist HF, gives us an insight into her exciting day-to-day work. She shares her extensive knowledge with customers, colleagues and patients with a great deal of passion and motivation.
About me
I am a qualified nurse HF with professional experience in acute hospitals and Spitex. In addition to my work in various specialist areas, I have completed further training in the field of palliative care, which is very close to my heart. I like to spend my free time in nature, whether jogging, biking, swimming or on a trip with our beloved camper, which always takes us to France. But I also love writing, cooking and being creative.
My job at ewimed
I have been working at ewimed since December 2021, when I gained my first experience in medical technology as a sales representative. In July 2024, after a multifaceted role as Area Manager, I was then entrusted with the responsible position of Sales Manager.
What do you like about your job at ewimed and what motivates you?
Thanks to my extensive experience in nursing, I can empathize well with the day-to-day work of nurses and doctors, but also with the situation of our patients. I love my job and the people I get to work with every day.
But it is also great that we can make the lives of many people a little easier with our drainage solutions and give them the opportunity to spend more time at home despite serious illness.
I am proud and grateful to be part of the ewimed team! Humanity and commitment are not only promised at ewimed, but also lived. I would like to thank all our customers for their trust in us. I take my hat off to the medical staff and their tireless efforts. My thanks also go to our patients, who never fail to touch me with their optimism and courage to face life, and to my colleagues, who always ensure that everything runs smoothly and are committed to the well-being of our patients. And last but not least, our Co-Managing Director Renate Marti, who exemplifies ewimed’s values and is both an inspiration and role model for me with her dedicated and warm manner.
Thank you for this interesting tour d’horizon of your private and professional life Michèle, your passion for medical technology and your great commitment.