German Breast Cancer Center
About
Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring malignancy in women, with estimates showing that one in eight women will be diagnosed with it at some point in their lives. This disease affects not only women but also men, although at a significantly lower frequency. In Cyprus, about 700 new cases of breast cancer are recorded each year, ranking it as the second most frequent malignancy.
It has been conclusively proven that breast cancer patients who receive treatment at organized Breast Centers by interdisciplinary teams achieve the best possible outcomes. The right of every woman to have access to high-quality prevention, treatment, and follow-up for breast cancer has been firmly established by a resolution from the European Parliament for over two decades.
At the GMI Breast Cancer Center, malignancies of the breast are managed by a team of specialized doctors covering all relevant disciplines, with each patient receiving a customized treatment plan. Advances in molecular biology and biotechnology have enabled us to understand a range of mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis and progression of breast cancer at the molecular level. This understanding allows for the application of novel methods of primary and secondary prevention of breast cancer, diagnostic categorization of patients into prognostic groups, and the successful implementation of modern targeted therapy with minimal side effects. The multifaceted and personalized approach to breast cancer at the GMI Breast Cancer Center ensures that treatment is coordinated around the patient’s needs, respecting their preferences, and delivered safely, effectively, and of acceptable quality.
In line with the European Commission’s new plan for facing cancer and adopting a holistic approach to the disease, the GMI team provides top-tier healthcare services tailored to each individual patient. With a foundation in new technologies, cutting-edge research, and innovation, and in full alignment with the EU’s vision, we are strengthening our resilience and effectiveness in cancer treatment, a disease that can and must be overcome. Patients experiencing cancer do not stand alone; we stand with them throughout this journey.
Departments Involved
Cooperative Departments
Why Choose the GMI:
International studies have documented that breast cancer patients treated at organized Breast Centers like the GMI Breast Cancer Center have the best possible outcomes. Organizing breast cancer treatment within a Center with specialized health professionals offers numerous benefits for the patient, including:
- Easier access to Specialists and centralized disease management
- Reduced stress from waiting (for appointments, diagnostic test results, biopsies, treatment commencement, etc.)
- Quicker resolution of any issues that arise during the course of the disease
- A patient-friendly environment that fosters trust and reassurance
- Avoidance of unnecessary visits, tests, and medical interventions
- Access to cutting-edge treatments and coordinated care
- Reduced morbidity and increased survival
- Reduced psychological morbidity and faster social reintegration
The Team
- Breast Radiodiagnostics
- Breast Surgery: Staffed by expert Breast Surgeons specialized in all aspects of breast pathology, with experience in all breast surgery techniques. The Center’s breast-conserving surgeries and oncoplastic techniques aim to achieve oncologically safe and aesthetically pleasing outcomes.
- Medical Oncology of the Breast: Our team of Medical Oncology specialists, who are trained and experienced in treating breast malignancies, employ the latest chemotherapy or immunotherapy regimens. Customizing breast cancer treatment based on its genetic identity ensures the best therapeutic outcome with the fewest side effects.
- Breast Radiotherapy
- Pathological Anatomy
- Nuclear Medicine: The Department offers sentinel lymph node detection using the radioisotope method, proven to be the gold standard in the surgical treatment of early-stage breast cancer. Additionally the department has PET / CT capabilities.
- Physiotherapy – Rehabilitation – Integrative Medicine
- Psychological Support & Patient Support
Contact details
- (+357) 25 208 000
- [email protected]
- 1, Nikis Avenue 4108, Agios Athanasios, Cyprus
- Mon - Fri | 08:00 - 17:00
FAQs
Breast cancer is a multifactorial disease. We are aware of numerous risk factors for its development, both genetic and environmental. Factors like age, ethnicity, gender, and heredity are non-modifiable risk factors, meaning they are factors a person cannot change or influence. However, there are also modifiable factors, which we can potentially mitigate through appropriate behavioural adjustments, such as managing our body weight, quitting smoking, and increasing physical activity. It is crucial to note that the presence of risk factors does not necessarily mean a woman will develop breast cancer. However, awareness that one belongs to a higher risk group leads to increased diligence in undergoing preventative checks, which are demonstrably the most powerful defence when facing the disease.
- Brest cysts, which are the most common finding in premenopausal women, are hormonally driven. Essentially, they are localized fluid collections within the breast. Breast cysts have a smooth texture, are movable, and can sometimes be painful. They often affect both breasts and can be found at any location. Due to their hormonal cause, cysts typically regress (disappear) during menopause unless the woman is taking oestrogen. Most cases of cysts are clinically insignificant and do not require further intervention. However, based on indications and imaging findings, your doctor may recommend further investigation (e.g., evacuative paracentesis for fluid culture or cytology, or cyst wall biopsy).
- Fibroadenoma is the most common benign, solid breast tumour. It is hormone-dependent and primarily occurs in young women, although it can appear at any age. Fibroadenomas are highly mobile under the skin, firm-elastic, and well-defined. In 10-15% of cases, there are multiple fibroadenomas. Once a tumour is confirmed as a fibroadenoma (e.g., through characteristic imaging findings or a prior biopsy confirming the diagnosis), its removal is not necessary unless desired by the patient. While fibroadenomas do not turn malignant, they require monitoring at a frequency determined by your doctor. In cases where the fibroadenoma becomes painful, causes aesthetic concerns, or when there is doubt about its diagnosis, surgical removal may be recommended through a simple procedure that does not harm the breast.
- Mastalgia is characterized by pain in one or both breasts, and it typically does not signify a serious health risk. Often, it is linked to hormonal fluctuations during a woman’s menstrual cycle (cyclical mastalgia) or, if not cyclic, may be associated with musculoskeletal or other issues. However, if the pain is intense and persistent, seeking medical advice is recommended.
- This term encompasses a variety of histopathological changes in the breast gland and is not indicative of a disease. It describes areas in the breast that appear denser in clinical and imaging examinations. Breasts affected by fibrocystic changes can swell and become painful, varying with hormone levels, and often feel like detectable lumps. Monitoring these changes can be challenging due to their nature, but they generally are not a cause for concern.
- Mastitis, an inflammation of the breast, often occurs in breastfeeding women due to blocked milk ducts, which leads to milk accumulation and bacterial growth. It can also develop outside of breastfeeding, caused by bacterial entry through the nipple’s pores or minor abrasions. Mastitis rarely relates to breast cancer and is more frequent in smokers and diabetic women. It is usually managed with broad-spectrum antibiotics, and the drainage of breast milk is necessary in breastfeeding-related cases. A breast abscess, a complication of mastitis, is a pus collection within the breast gland which requires prompt drainage. Post-inflammation imaging tests are advised to rule out the rare chance of inflammatory breast cancer.
- Approximately 2% of women have inverted nipples, meaning the nipple retracts inward, potentially affecting one or both breasts. This condition can stem from developmental anomalies during embryonic growth or genetic factors. It poses cosmetic concerns and potential breastfeeding difficulties. Surgical correction is available for congenital inverted nipples, preserving the milk ducts. If an inverted nipple develops later in life, it may signal breast disease, including cancer, and should be promptly evaluated by a medical professional.
- Nipple discharge can occur in one or both breasts, originating from one or several pores, and may be spontaneous or induced. If you notice discharge outside of pregnancy and breastfeeding periods, a medical consultation is recommended. The discharge might be due to a benign tumour within a breast duct, medication side effects, thyroid or pituitary gland disorders, or less commonly, breast cancer.
- This type of tumour, which arises outside the milk ducts, is known for its rapid growth and propensity for recurrence. Suspected phyllodes tumours should be surgically removed to prevent malignant transformation. Due to its rapid size increase, reconstructive surgery might be necessary for complete removal and to maintain cosmetic appearance.
- Gynecomastia is defined as excessive growth of the male breast gland, resulting in enlargement not caused by obesity-related fat accumulation. It is the most prevalent male breast condition and often has hormonal origins. In adolescents (ages 12-15), it typically results from an imbalance of oestradiol and testosterone and usually resolves with maturity. Adult onset, especially if unilateral, warrants medical evaluation. The doctor will investigate potential causes, including specific medications or supplements, and rule out neoplastic conditions. Idiopathic gynecomastia, without an identifiable cause, can be surgically addressed for cosmetic reasons, often through a safe and aesthetically pleasing subcutaneous mastectomy.