C-DERMA is committed to Pink October: together against breast cancer

Breast Cancer in Numbers
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women worldwide. Each year in Switzerland, around 6,600 women receive this diagnosis. Although it can occur at any age, breast cancer mainly affects women aged 50 and over. Fortunately, thanks to advances in medicine and intensive scientific research, the survival rate is approximately 89%.

Causes of Breast Cancer
The exact causes of breast cancer are still not fully understood. Between 5 and 10% of cases have a hereditary component. Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes account for about half of hereditary breast cancer cases. While a genetic predisposition increases the risk, it does not necessarily mean the disease will occur. In cases of confirmed genetic mutation, regular screening tests are usually recommended.

Treatment and Screening
When detected early, breast cancer is easier to treat and therapies are less invasive. This is why women, particularly those over 50, are advised to undergo regular mammograms. Regional screening programs help detect abnormalities at an early stage, often before the first symptoms appear.

Several medical treatments are used to fight breast cancer: surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies. The choice of treatment depends on the type of breast cancer.

What Are the Different Types of Breast Cancer?

There are three main types of breast cancer:

• Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer: These tumors respond to female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. They can be treated effectively with hormone therapy.
• HER2-positive breast cancer: In this type, cancer cells produce too many growth receptors. Specific drugs are used to block this mechanism.
• Triple-negative breast cancer: This form, which lacks both hormone receptors and HER2 receptors, affects about 15% of patients. It is considered particularly aggressive and difficult to treat.

Challenges and Future Directions in Breast Cancer Research
Scientific research is focused on advancing targeted and personalized medicine. Breast cancer can take many forms, and each tumor has a unique genetic structure, making personalized approaches crucial.

Researchers are also exploring innovative methods such as immunotherapy, messenger RNA, and liquid biopsies (analyzing tumor DNA from a simple blood sample). These techniques allow for earlier diagnosis and more precise treatment options. Despite significant progress, developing new treatments remains complex, time-consuming, and costly.

Another key area of research is developing new therapeutic strategies for triple-negative breast cancer and advanced tumors, meaning those that have spread to other organs (so-called metastatic tumors). Neither hormone therapy nor most targeted therapies are effective against triple-negative breast cancer, which is why traditional treatments—chemotherapy and radiotherapy—are often combined. For advanced-stage breast cancer, the average life expectancy is only two to three years. New approaches, such as targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and innovative combination treatments, are being studied to improve therapeutic options, enhance patients’ quality of life, and slow down or even halt disease progression.

Men Are Affected Too
Breast cancer does not only affect women; men can also be diagnosed with it. In Switzerland, around 60 men are diagnosed each year—most of them over the age of 60 at the time of diagnosis. Although rare in men, breast cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage, when the disease is already advanced and harder to treat.

For more information, click here