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Breast cancer

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the tissue of the breast. Breast cancer occurs in women and men.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. About 1 in 7 women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. There are many different forms of breast cancer to which we have been able to tailor our diagnosis and treatment in recent years. As a result, people with breast cancer live longer. The quality of life after treatment has also improved.

On this page you can read more about the symptoms of breast cancer, the most commonly used tests and forms of treatment for breast cancer.

mammateam

AVL Breast Cancer Center

The NKI Breast Cancer Center is the largest breast cancer center in the Netherlands and our scientific research is among the best in the world. Together, we strive to offer everyone with breast cancer the best possible tailor-made treatment. Read more about the center, our specialists, the experiences of our patients and innovations.
Read more about the NKI Breast Cancer Centre
AVL CVV Centrum Voor Vroegdiagnostiek

Diagnosis at the NKI Centre for Early Diagnosis

At the NKI Centre for Early Diagnosis, we conduct research into breast cancer after referral by the general practitioner or clinical geneticist. The reason for the breast cancer screening can vary: you can be referred because of complaints or symptoms, the results of the population screening or an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
Read more

Learn more about breast cancer

Causes of breast cancer

The cause of breast cancer is often not clear. In 5 to 10%, a hereditary predisposition to breast cancer plays a role. We also see that breast cancer is more common in women who:

  • Had the first menstruation at a young age and only menopaused at a late age
  • Not having children or were pregnant for the first time after the age of 35
  • Long-term use of heavy contraceptive pills at a young age and/or long-term use of hormone preparations for menopausal symptoms
  • Have a less healthy lifestyle. Think, for example, of too little exercise, drinking too much alcohol, smoking or being overweight

Symptoms of breast cancer

The symptoms of breast cancer can vary. These signs may indicate breast cancer:

  • A lump or dent in the breast
  • An inverted nipple
  • Eczema around the nipple
  • Bloody nipple fluid

Do you notice the following changes in yourself? Then it does not have to be breast cancer right away, but it is wise to have it examined. This can be done at the Center for Early Diagnostics.

Hereditary breast cancer

A small part, about 5%-10%, of people who develop breast cancer have a hereditary cause.

Read more about this form of breast cancer

Diagnosis

Breast cancer is a name for many different types of cancer in the breast. After all the examinations, we discuss in a meeting which species you have and what the next steps are. This consultation is called a multidisciplinary consultation. Various breast cancer specialists work together in this. Together they determine which treatment is best in your situation.

We will tell you clearly and honestly about the possible treatments. You will also hear what the chances of success are and what consequences the treatment may have. This way you can choose the treatment plan that feels best for you.

Examination and diagnosis

To get a precise picture of your tumour, we make a mammography and ultrasound of the breasts and lymph nodes around them. Sometimes we also remove a piece of tissue with a needle. This is called a puncture or biopsy. A marker can also be placed at the same time, with which we can see how the disease progresses. Sometimes it is necessary to schedule additional scans such as an MRI or a PET/CT scan.

Mammografie scherm

Mammography
Echografie

Ultrasound
Biopsie verpleegkundigen

Tissue biopsy
Punctie zoom

Liquid biopsy
MRI scan

MRI scan

Breast cancer treatment

The treatment of breast cancer consists of two types of treatment. The first is local treatment of the breast and lymph nodes. The second is a systemic treatment for the whole body. Local treatment is surgery and/or radiation. Systemic treatment is, for example, chemotherapy, hormonal treatment or immunotherapy. The order of this treatment can vary. Exactly which treatment you need and in what order depends, among other things, on the type of tumour. Your further health and fitness are also important. You will hear exactly what is going to happen in advance and you will have plenty of time to ask questions. Your treatment usually consists of a combination of several treatments.

Surgery for breast cancer

Radiotherapy for breast cancer

Chemotherapy

Hormone therapy

Immunotherapy

Clinical Trials

At the Netherlands Cancer Institute, we are always looking for new treatments. We therefore conduct research in studies to see what is possible. Whether you can participate in such a study depends on many things. Do you have any questions about this? Please feel free to contact your doctor or nurse specialist.

Waiting times / Second opinion

You have been diagnosed with breast cancer. This brings with it many questions and uncertainty. We try to reassure you as much as possible by giving clear answers to all your questions.

You can contact us quickly for a second opinion. You can also come to us if you have been diagnosed with breast cancer elsewhere and would like to be treated with us. We discuss all patients for a second opinion in our multidisciplinary consultation in which all breast cancer specialists are involved. This way you get a complete advice that suits you. You will usually receive our treatment advice the same day.

  • 5 weekdays

    Rapid diagnostics

    For suspected breast cancer, you can usually come to our hospital within 4 to 5 weekdays after obtaining your referral from your general physician. Most people have their diagnosis within two hours.

  • 5 days

    Second opinion

    It will take approximately 7 days before your second opinion. The wait time for the medical oncologist for metastatic breast cancer tends to be longer, however.

Lees meer over het maken van een afspraak en second opinion

Make an appointment

Second opinion or transfer

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