How does breast cancer develop according to the latest findings?
Prof. Fehm: "Breast cancer develops in a cell or group of cells in the breast tissue that divide particularly often to replace dead cells or regenerate tissue. However, errors can occur so that the division process gets out of control and the degenerated cells then form growths."
What types of breast cancer are there?
Prof. Fehm:"80 percent of women suffer from what is known as invasive ductal breast cancer, which develops in the cells of the milk duct. Ten percent suffer from invasive lobular breast cancer, which develops in the cells of the glandular lobule. The remaining ten percent are rather rare forms of the tumor disease."
What are the most common risk factors?
Prof. Fehm:"It is almost impossible to determine a specific cause for the tumor disease. However, we know from studies that certain factors influence the risk of breast cancer. The risk of developing the disease is highest between 50 and 70, pregnancy and breastfeeding reduce the risk, while smoking, obesity and lack of exercise increase it. And there is also hereditary predisposition."
How can I prevent the tumor disease?
Prof. Fehm:"Avoid being overweight, drink little alcohol and exercise regularly. Preventive care is important: from the age of 50, every woman should have a mammogram every two years, which is paid for by the health insurance. Breast ultrasounds are also important, as ultrasounds can now distinguish lumps from cysts. Incidentally, 85 percent of breast cancer patients recover."
Simply sailing away from cancer
On its website www.du-bist-ein-gewinn.de, the German TV lottery presents initiatives that help people in need, with illnesses, in loneliness or with regional problems. One of these projects is the "Segelrebellen" organization, which motivates people suffering from cancer to actively take up the fight against the disease again. Founder Marc Naumann has successfully fought the brain tumor twice. When the tumor appeared for the second time, Marc Naumann obtained his sailing license while still undergoing chemotherapy. He wanted to declare war on the disease and have a goal - he wanted to cross the Atlantic. The "sailing rebels" were born out of this plan. Marc Naumann and his team take people with cancer on sailing trips and give them new courage to face life. An important task that the Deutsche Fernsehlotterie is happy to support.