“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.

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.

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.

Find out more here!

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 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.

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.

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.

• 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