Breast cancer should not be seen as a single disease, but as a set of different types that require specific therapeutic approaches. This is the main message conveyed by experts during the CNN Vital Signs program this Saturday (25).
In the episode, Dr. Roberto Kalil welcomes medical specialists Antonio Buzaid, oncologist at Hospital Nove de Julho and Samaritano, and Fabricio Brenelli, mastologist at Hospital Beneficência Portuguesa.
According to mastologist Fabricio Brenelli, there are several, each with distinct characteristics and behaviors. “Actually, we say that they happen coincidentally in the breast, but they are completely different diseases”, explains the doctor.
The specialist highlights that some types of breast cancer are permitted, followed by simpler complementary therapies, such as hormone therapy. Other types, considered more aggressive, require an initial approach with systemic treatments.
Features two different types
The mastologist explains that most types of breast cancer are tumors with hormone receptors, more similar to normal breast cells. On the other hand, the most aggressive tumors are those that differentiate the most from the original breast cells, explained Brenelli. “It is important to never compare one patient with another. There are different scenarios, different diseases, different people and different treatments.”
Antonio Buzaid, oncologist present at the discussion, adds by talking about those related to hormones.
“Replacement with estradiol alone did not increase the risk, and some studies even showed a reduction,” said the doctor. “The problem is that estradiol can only be given to those who don’t have a uterus. It greatly increases the risk of uterine cancer.”
Regarding the use of contraceptives, Buzaid clarifies that there is also an increase in risk, but smaller, in the order of 20%. “It’s 20% of a small number. I joke with patients: imagine you earn R$1 a month, I increase your salary by 20%, you earn R$1.20. It’s still absurdly low”, explained the oncologist.
