In recent years, there has been significant progress in women’s attitudes toward prevention and breast health. Many women now visit specialists and undergo regular preventive screenings, understanding their importance for early diagnosis.

The message is clear: preventive screenings are a valuable “gift” and should not be neglected, regardless of age or the absence of symptoms.

For women who are not part of a high-risk group, preventive screening usually begins after the age of 40, with mammography as the primary examination. If needed, supplementary tests such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be performed. However, an MRI is not necessary for everyone. It is mainly used in women with very dense breast tissue or to monitor response to treatments such as chemotherapy.

For younger women (20–25 years old), screening is performed only if a finding is detected through self-examination. These are usually benign conditions, such as cysts or glandular changes related to the menstrual cycle. However, when there is a family history, screening should begin at least 10 years earlier than the age at which the relative (e.g., the mother) was diagnosed.

The role of genetic testing

Genetic testing has come to the forefront for women with a strong family history of breast cancer or with first-degree relatives who developed the disease at a young age. The process includes testing for mutations in genes such as the well-known BRCA1 and BRCA2, as well as many others associated with breast cancer. For this reason, it is important to request a comprehensive test (full panel) rather than testing only the basic genes.

The decision to undergo genetic testing should not be taken lightly. Genetic counseling always precedes it, so that the woman is informed about the possible implications of a positive result and the available options—ranging from increased surveillance to preventive mastectomy.

What are the warning symptoms?

In addition to self-examination, other signs should prompt a woman to consult a specialist:

• Changes in the skin of the breast, such as redness or an “orange peel” appearance
• The appearance of dimpling or pulling of the skin in a specific area
• Asymmetry when raising the arms
• Palpable lumps in the breast or the armpit

These symptoms may indicate even aggressive forms of cancer, and early diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment.

The importance of organized breast centers

Organized breast centers offer a comprehensive framework of care, from diagnostic screening to disease management. They are not simply diagnostic facilities where a mammogram is performed, but places where a woman can receive complete services within a few hours: imaging, biopsy (if required), referral for further tests, and immediate evaluation by an oncology team.

The multidisciplinary approach and coordinated care ensure that the woman is not left alone or lost in the bureaucracy of the healthcare system. With today’s targeted therapies, surgery is not always the first option. What matters most is having a personalized action plan based on the recommendations of a specialized medical team.

With these needs in mind, the Breast Center of Metropolitan Hospital was established—the only breast center in Greece certified by the European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists (EUSOMA), making it one of the leading breast centers in Europe. Since the summer of 2014, it has been the first comprehensive national center dedicated exclusively to the monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of breast conditions.

It is a “One Stop Breast Unit,” where women undergo breast imaging (Digital Mammography, Tomosynthesis, High-Resolution Ultrasound, Elastography) as well as clinical examination by a specialized breast surgeon. When deemed necessary, immediate identification of a lesion through biopsy can be performed in minimal time and without pain.