Breast Cancer Cases Surge in Spain: Top Expert Sounds Alarm, Offers Hope
Madrid, Spain – A concerning trend is emerging in Spain as the incidence of breast cancer continues to climb, with projections indicating over 38,000 new cases by 2026. Leading oncologist Javier Cortés, ranked third globally in breast cancer expertise and first in the aggressive HER2+ subtype, is sounding the alarm while simultaneously highlighting significant advancements in treatment and survival rates. This breaking news comes as the Contigo Foundation against Women’s Cancer reviews the latest figures, revealing a disease that tragically claims the lives of over 6,600 women in Spain each year. This is a critical update for anyone concerned about women’s health and the evolving landscape of cancer care – a story we’re following closely for our readers at archyde.com.
Rising Incidence: A Multifactorial Challenge
The Spanish Society of Medical Oncology estimates 37,682 new cases will be diagnosed in 2025, a substantial increase from the 28,000 reported a decade ago. Dr. Cortés explains this isn’t a single cause, but a complex interplay of factors. “Cancer is largely associated with age, and we’re seeing an increasingly older population,” he states. “Alongside this, classic risk factors like obesity, sedentary lifestyles, smoking, and alcohol consumption are becoming more prevalent. Conversely, protective factors – having children, early motherhood, and breastfeeding – are declining.” This shift in lifestyle and demographics is driving the upward trend, demanding increased awareness and preventative measures.
One in Eight: Understanding Your Risk
The statistics are stark: Dr. Cortés reveals that “one in eight women will end up having a breast tumor.” Currently, between 140,000 and 150,000 women in Spain are battling the disease. While breast cancer remains the second most common cancer in the country (after colorectal cancer, with 44,573 estimated cases this year), it is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, surpassing lung cancer (34,506 new cases). However, amidst these sobering numbers, a powerful narrative of progress is unfolding.
Survival Rates Soar: A Triumph of Modern Medicine
The news isn’t all grim. Survival rates have dramatically improved over the past few decades. “Twenty or thirty years ago, between 55% and 60% of patients were cured, but today that figure has risen to 82%,” Dr. Cortés emphasizes. This remarkable increase is attributed to earlier diagnosis – with 95% of breast cancers detected in stages 1, 2, and 3 – and more effective treatments. “Greater knowledge of the molecular biology of cancer allows us to have more personalized and effective treatments,” he explains. Early detection, particularly in stages 1 and 2 (representing 70-75% of cases), is proving to be the key to successful outcomes.
Know Your Body: The Power of Self-Examination
Empowering women to take control of their health is paramount. Dr. Cortés strongly advocates for regular self-examination. “It is advisable to do it once a month, preferably after your period, when the breast is less dense,” he advises. Look for any lumps, changes in texture, or retractions in the chest. “A retraction, that feeling that something is ‘pulling,’ is also a warning sign, as is a bloody discharge from the nipple, or a crusty or itchy area.” While most lumps are benign, early detection through self-examination can be life-saving.
Treatment Advances: From Mastectomies to Personalized Therapies
Treatment approaches are also evolving. While mastectomies are still performed in 20-30% of cases (due to large tumors, extensive microcalcifications, or patient preference/genetic predisposition), there’s a growing trend towards more conservative treatments thanks to earlier detection. The landscape of breast cancer treatment is becoming increasingly nuanced, categorized by tumor characteristics:
- Hormone Receptor Positive, HER2 Normal: Often treated with anti-hormonal therapy, sometimes combined with chemotherapy for advanced cases.
- Hormone Receptor Positive, HER2 Positive: Typically involves a combination of chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and cyclin inhibitors.
- HER2 Positive: Aggressive but highly treatable with therapies targeting the HER2 protein, often resulting in excellent prognoses.
- Triple Negative: Very aggressive, treated with chemotherapy and immunotherapy, with significant improvements in diagnosis but challenges remain with metastasis.
Relapse and Long-Term Outlook
Relapse, the reappearance of the tumor or the development of metastasis, remains a concern. While incurable in cases of metastasis, Dr. Cortés offers a hopeful perspective: “There are women who live twenty years longer and die from something else.” Ongoing treatment can manage the disease and significantly extend life expectancy.
The fight against breast cancer is a continuous journey of research, innovation, and awareness. As incidence rates rise, the dedication of experts like Javier Cortés and the commitment of organizations like the Contigo Foundation are more vital than ever. Stay informed and proactive about your health – and continue to check archyde.com for the latest developments in cancer research and treatment.
