Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Stages of Development, and Effective Treatment

October is traditionally dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer—a disease that frightens many women. But modern medicine gives us the strength and knowledge to stay one step ahead. The MEDplus editorial team spoke with Oksana Harashchenko, surgeon, oncological surgeon, and mammologist, about key methods of prevention, screening, and modern treatments—to help women understand how to care for their health without fear or panic.

Oksana Garashchenko

mammary surgeon, oncologist

• PhD, surgeon of the highest category, oncological surgeon, plastic surgeon, mammologist.
• Founder and chief doctor of the "OKSAL.med" clinic.

Risks: Heredity Is Not Always a Sentence

Many believe that breast cancer is purely hereditary. Indeed, genetic factors have become more significant in recent years. However, it is precisely this factor that doctors can influence to prevent the development of cancer.

Nevertheless, in most cases, cancer occurs spontaneously—as a result of a combination of age, hormonal changes, lifestyle, stress, obesity, alcohol consumption, and smoking.

Screening: When Is the Best Time to Get Checked?

“The most effective methods are mammography, ultrasound, and regular checkups with a mammologist,” the doctor emphasizes. It’s also important to follow the screening schedule:

• Up to 40 years old—ultrasound once a year.
• After 40—annual mammography (or earlier if there’s an increased risk).

Even if you feel well, regular checkups save lives.

Fear of the Mammologist: Natural but Harmful

Why do women postpone their exams?

“The fear of seeing a mammologist is real. But it’s better to come for an annual checkup and hear that everything is fine than to sit at home for years, afraid that something might be found,” says Oksana Harashchenko.

Remember: early detection is the key to easier and more effective treatment.

Growth Rate: Everything Is Individual

Breast cancer usually develops over years—not days or weeks. Aggressive tumors grow faster, while less aggressive ones progress more slowly.
“It all depends on the immune system—how the body fights the tumor and slows its growth,” the doctor adds.

Early Diagnosis: Greater Chances of Recovery

Breast cancer can and should be detected at early stages. For that, it’s essential to have regular ultrasounds, mammograms, or MRIs.

“If the diagnosis is histologically confirmed, treatment is mandatory—regardless of the stage, whether it’s zero, first, or fourth. Cancer should never just be observed—it must be treated immediately after detection,” the expert stresses.

Modern Treatment: Preserving Life and Its Quality

Modern oncology is no longer a death sentence. Organ-preserving surgeries, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy help maintain the breast, appearance, and quality of life.

This is especially important for women who want to remain themselves during treatment.

How to Accept the Diagnosis?

“The hardest part is accepting that it happened. Usually, the first two weeks are the most emotionally difficult. We try to help patients come to terms with the diagnosis gradually and immediately explain how quickly and effectively it can be treated,” says Oksana Harashchenko.

Support from loved ones and the doctor forms the strongest partnership that helps patients go through this journey without emotional collapse.

Prevention Without Extremes

What can you do right now to reduce your risk?

• Regular checkups—ultrasound and mammography every 1–2 years.
• Healthy lifestyle: physical activity, balanced diet, moderate alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking.
• Taking care of immunity and hormonal balance.
• Self-examination cannot replace professional screening—it only complements your preventive efforts.

Remember: knowledge, regular screenings, and modern medicine give women strength and peace of mind.

Breast cancer is not a sentence—it’s a signal that can be heard in time and overcome with maximum effectiveness.

Read more articles about health and wellness on MEDplus.