At the Policlinico Duilio Casula, approximately 800 surgical interventions for malignant breast tumors have been performed in the last three years, with an increasing trend. "We have an updated Diagnostic Therapeutic Pathway (Pdta)," explains Dr. Massimo Dessena, breast surgeon at the Cagliari University Hospital, "early diagnosis can now count on increasingly accurate and high-performance equipment. In addition to 2D mammography and magnetic resonance imaging, technological developments have been added to tomosynthesis, which is a pseudo-three-dimensional mammography, mammography with contrast medium, up to a new mammograph capable of exploiting artificial intelligence."
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed tumor in women in Italy, with approximately 53,686 new diagnoses recorded in the last year.
«Primary prevention, which consists of leading a healthy lifestyle, is essential to ensure a good quality of life throughout one's existence – underlines Dr. Dessena – while screening represents the secondary prevention tool».
In Sardinia, moreover, 250-300 cases of thyroid cancer are recorded every year, over half of which are operated at the Policlinico Duilio Casula. «About 300 thyroids are operated every year – explains Professor Pietro Giorgio Calò, director of General Surgery at the AOU of Cagliari – half of which are for tumor pathology».
The treatment of thyroid tumors in most cases is surgical. "Great interest in recent years has been given to minimally invasive treatments," emphasizes Professor Calò, "to new surgical techniques, robotic surgery and personalized treatments. The latter can bring significant benefits to patients from an aesthetic point of view, but also allow a faster recovery from surgery."
It is estimated that in Italy, in 2024, approximately 390 thousand people received a diagnosis of malignant tumor, fortunately the number of deaths is gradually decreasing.
"Lifestyle affects 40-50% of the onset of tumors," explains Professor Mario Scartozzi, director of Medical Oncology at the Policlinico Duilio Casula, recalling that today is also World Cancer Day. "Essential strategies include quitting smoking and excessive alcohol consumption," continues Scartozzi, "adopting a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, low in red and processed meat, maintaining a healthy body weight and practicing physical activity."
On the Island, from this point of view, the data are not comforting: «25% of the population smokes, 24% consumes alcohol in a risky way, 23% is sedentary and 40% is obese – says the specialist – furthermore, the prevention of some types of cancer, such as hepatocarcinoma and cervical carcinoma, passes through specific vaccinations, such as those for the hepatitis B virus and HPV».
Screening for breast, colorectal and cervical cancer, which allows the detection of tumors in early stages, is essential to reduce the impact of cancer and improve the quality of life of patients.
"The complexity of tumor diseases requires a multidisciplinary approach," concludes Professor Mario Scartozzi, "each case must be discussed in a group involving different professionals. Collaboration is essential to identify the best therapeutic strategy and guarantee the best possible results."
(Online Union)
