Early detection is the most important step in protecting your health. This is because breast cancer can be prevented in most cases if detected early. Very curable - and this is exactly where we come in. With state-of-the-art diagnostics, many years of experience and a high degree of empathy, our experts will accompany you through every step of the diagnostic process.
Early detection starts at home. Have you noticed a change in your breasts? Always have it checked by your gynaecologist. If the suspicion of breast cancer is confirmed, our breast centre will be happy to help you with any further steps. We will take time for you and will be at your side throughout the process.
Arrange your appointment with our case management team now:
Make an appointmentWhat does early detection of breast cancer mean?
Early detection means discovering breast cancer before the first symptoms appear. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chances of recovery. Tumours can usually be treated well at an early stage.
Women in Germany are entitled to various breast screening examinations:
- Palpation examination by the gynaecologist from 30 years
- Mammography screening for women between 50 and 69 years
In addition, self-examination of the breast at home is an important measure for the early detection of breast cancer.
Early detection: breast palpation
Breast palpation by a gynaecologist is part of the basic cancer screening programme. It is one of the S3 guidelines appropriate measure. Watch the video to find out how a gynaecologist performs a palpation examination and what he or she looks for.
Early detection: breast self-examination
The Palpation examination of the breast can and should be carried out regularly by women themselves. If possible, it should be carried out monthly after the menstrual period, as the breasts are soft and easy to palpate at this time. Women in the menopause and afterwards always take the same day of the month when taking Medication for menopausal symptoms about a week after opening a new monthly pack is a good time.
You can see instructions for breast self-examination in the video.
What are the first signs of breast cancer?
The Recognising warning signs at an early stage can be decisive for the success of treatment. The following signs are considered suspicious findings in both the medical palpation examination and the self-examination and require further medical clarification by your doctor:
Visible changes in the breast
- Lump in the breast
- New difference in breast size
- Skin changes
- Different behaviour of the breasts when lifting the arms
- Sudden, irreversible reddening of a breast
Changes to the nipple
- Discharge of clear or bloody fluid from the nipple
- Retraction of the skin on the nipple
Further warning signs
- Inflammation of the breasts
- Persistent discomfort or pain
Important: These signs do not automatically mean breast cancer. Many changes have harmless causes. Nevertheless, you should have any findings clarified by your gynaecologist as soon as possible.
Contact usMammography screening programme: systematic early detection
Mammography screening is one of the Most important measures for the early detection of breast cancer and is offered throughout Germany. Screening mammography is carried out by our co-operation partner DIE Radiologie, which is generally responsible for our diagnostics and offers all the necessary diagnostic measures and resources at the highest level that are relevant to breast cancer.
The mammography screening programme in Germany is aimed at all Women between the ages of 50 and 75. This breast X-ray examination is offered every two years and is free of charge for you.
Advantages of mammography screening
- Detection of tumours at a very early stage
- Better chances of recovery through early therapy
- Reduction in mortality from breast cancer
- Quality-assured examination according to the highest standards
Procedure of the mammography appointment
At your mammography appointment, your Chest positioned between two Plexiglas panels and x-rayed. The examination only takes a few minutes. Specially trained doctors assess the X-ray images in accordance with the guidelines of the German Cancer Society.
Advantages and possible disadvantages of early detection
An informed decision to participate in screening requires knowledge of the benefits and risks.
Advantages of early detection
- Significantly better chances of recovery
- Less stressful therapy in early stages
- Early detection of breast cancer
- Quality-assured analyses
Possible disadvantages
We will inform you transparently about the possible disadvantages of screening, such as false-positive findings, and support you in your decision-making process.
What is intensified early detection of breast cancer?
For women with an increased risk of breast cancer, there are special programmes that go beyond standard early detection. Intensified breast cancer screening is aimed at women at increased risk:
Who is entitled to intensified early detection?
- Women with a family history
- Carriers of genetic mutations (BRCA1, BRCA2)
- Women who have already recovered from cancer
Measures for intensified early detection
- Closer meshed examinations
- Use of modern imaging techniques
- Personalised advice and support
- Special recommendations depending on the risk profile
Costs and assumption of costs
The financing of early detection is organised transparently and predictably for you.
What is covered by health insurance?
The health insurance companies cover the costs for:
- Mammography screening between the ages of 50 and 75 (every two years)
- Palpation examination from the age of 30 (annually)
- Further diagnostics for suspected breast cancer
- Mammography also under the age of 50 in the event of symptoms, abnormal palpation findings or increased risk
Funding for early detection
All early detection examinations within the scope of the statutory recommendations are free of charge for you. Participation in the mammography screening programme is fully funded by the health insurance companies.
The path to diagnosis: accompanied step by step
After an abnormal finding, structured diagnostics are important in order to provide clarity and initiate the best possible treatment.
Referral to specialist:in
If you have any suspicious findings, your gynaecologist will refer you to a specialist. Please bring all examination results - if available - with you to your first appointment. You will discuss the previous findings, after which a physical examination is usually carried out.
Further diagnostic procedures
Our diagnostics are based on proven and innovative procedures that complement each other and guarantee maximum accuracy. This enables precise assessment and targeted treatment. The following examinations are usually carried out as part of the diagnostics:
Imaging procedures
- Special X-ray examination (mammography)
- Ultrasound examination (sonography) of the breast
- If required: MRI examination
Tissue removal in case of suspicion
If the findings are unclear, a tissue sample can be taken under local anaesthetic (biopsy) to be on the safe side. The sample is sent to the pathology department and the laboratory and analysed using state-of-the-art methods, the quality of which is constantly monitored. The result of the tissue sample is available after approximately two working days.
Second opinion
Don't be afraid to openly ask your doctor for a second opinion on the findings and type of treatment.
If you actually have cancer, you will need treatment promptly, but this does not preclude you from obtaining a second opinion. It is crucial that the right form of treatment is found for you.
Not all examinations need to be repeated for a second medical opinion. You have the right to a copy of your diagnosis and examination results, such as the pathological findings. You should definitely ask for a copy of the mammogram images. These costs are usually covered by statutory health insurance.
You are welcome to obtain a second opinion at our breast centre.
Individual care in our breast centre
If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, you are in good hands with our experienced team of experts. The next steps in your treatment plan will be determined by consensus between all the experts at the Breast Centre. We will give you our individual and personal attention. We take your condition into consideration and support and help you with all further steps, if this is what you want.
Put your trust in our expertise: early detection can save lives. Our early detection of breast cancer combines state-of-the-art diagnostics with empathetic care. Take your chance of early detection - take part in the early detection examinations and talk to your gynaecologist about your individual risk.
Get in touch with us
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