Une partie de l'équipe de la Clinique du Sein

Finally, the risk of developing cancer is higher with certain benign breast disorders, while other cancers are attributable to excess alcohol or fat consumption.

Initially, breast cancer does not display any symptoms. It is diagnosed at the screening stage. Later, it may take the form of a small nodule, or produce pain, colour change or nipple retraction…

The screening programme developed in Belgium is aimed at women aged 50-60 and based on a breast X-ray, known as a mammogram, conducted every two years. This is a basic examination, aimed at women who have no specific risk factors.
If risk factors are present, the screening strategy is slightly different. This means that women with a benign breast disorder are given a more comprehensive examination, including an ultrasound and possibly MRI in addition.
Our centre also offers women the opportunity to benefit directly from this comprehensive examination if their gynaecologist or GP requests it.

The checks are conducted annually between the ages of 40 and 50 years. After 60 years, they are conducted every two years.

As breast cancer is painless in the early stages, screening is very important.

To find out more about screening of Breast cancer, click here.

Table de stéréotaxie

Treatment, which is discussed at multidisciplinary meetings, may include surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or radiotherapy. These options are often combined and vary according to the type of cancer. All the specialists must therefore choose the most suitable approach, taking account of the characteristics and extent of the tumour.

If the surgical route is taken, the operation is as non-invasive as possible. It is sometimes preceded by chemotherapy. After the surgery, the multidisciplinary team meets again to discuss further treatment: radiotherapy, chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy, hormone treatment, etc…

A series of studies is currently aiming to identify more clearly the factors in the selection of women for whom chemotherapy would be most effective. Some factors, such as size and level of aggression of tumour, will be known to some extent. A large-scale European study aims to determine the role of genetic profiles. The multidisciplinary breast cancer team is involved in this study and in the international studies dealing with new treatments. These treatments include chemotherapy, hormone therapy and, more recently, treatments that specifically target tumour cells while sparing the neighbouring healthy cells. This is known as “targeted therapy”.

Treatment of breast cancer involves several different fields, including RESEARCH.

Chemotherapy can adversely affect fertility. This factor must be taken into consideration, especially when in cases of breast cancer affecting young women. A number of techniques, such as cryopreservation, now preserve ovarian function, and therefore the chances of pregnancy. These techniques were developed by the multidisciplinary sterility issues team at Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, and are now offered to patients treated at our centre.
Finally, breast reconstruction after removal of a tumour is very important. It requires the help of plastic surgeons familiar with modern techniques that allow the successful completion of sometimes complex operations.

The diagnostic and therapeutic tools now available in breast cancer treatment are both efficient and complex. Also, their use requires quality control measures.

A schedule of various indicators will ensure that the treatment chosen is suitable. Data on the number and types of surgical procedures and the incidence of recurrence and complications linked to chemotherapy or radiotherapy are kept and regularly analysed.

Surgery is also assessed on the basis of several different criteria.
Examination of data obtained allows the multidisciplinary team’s activity to be compared with that of other international reference centres and ensures that the strategy being followed does not produce too many side effects, complications or recurrences.

Finally, European instructions have been defined for diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. They deal with the clinical route that each patient has the right to follow. According to these instructions, any woman with breast cancer must be treated within one month of diagnosis. Deadlines are also set for various stages in refining and combining treatments. Compliance with these standards is important, as it can affect the progress of the disease; delay in setting up the treatment can be detrimental. Complying with European standards therefore helps optimise the clinical route followed by patients.

Checks are essential for guaranteeing quality of the care given

Our Breast Clinic specialists (gynaecologists, medical oncologists, radiotherapists) all meet together in the same place once a week. Initially, each case is analysed and discussed during a weekly multidisciplinary discussion group meeting (radiology, anatomopathology, plastic and reconstructive surgery and the above specialities), held just before a joint consultation. A psychologist also attends this multidisciplinary meeting for patients who so wish. This process allows the treatment of this disease to be addressed comprehensively and properly understood.

The multidisciplinary breast cancer meeting is held on Wednesdays from 1830-2130 on Floor 1, Building B2. For an appointment or second opinion: (02) 764.18.18 (Chantal Parent, secretary) or (02) 764.42.14 (Nathalie Blondeel, oncology care co-ordinator).

To find out more about multidisciplinary consultations, click here