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Women's health

A breast cancer patient is rarely fighting alone

Why breast cancer prevention is critical and why it’s so important to find your own individual path in cancer treatment.

One in two million

In 2020, there were 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer and 685,000 deaths globally. By the end of 2020, there were 7.8 million women alive who had been diagnosed with breast cancer in the previous five years, making it the world’s most prevalent cancer.[1]

Early detection

As is the case with many types of cancer, there is little that can be done to avoid the occurrence of breast cancer. But whether due to fear of the result, reservations about what the unfamiliar examination might feel like, or simply due to procrastination, many women don’t make use of the early detection screenings available. This is problematic because time is the most important factor when it comes to early detection.


On average, 1 in 8 women develop breast cancer over the course of their lives. The rule of thumb is that the sooner the disease is detected, the lower the number and intensity of procedures, the better the chances of recovery and the sooner the patient will be able to return to a normal life.


Observations from Europe and Canada show that the mortality rate for women participating in screening programs has reduced by over 40 percent in industrial nations [2].

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if breast cancer is diagnosed early on, the 5-year survival rate is above 90 percent
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1 in 8 women will get breast cancer
breast cancer awareness ribbon
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How to improve your chances: Time is the most important factor

Early detection remains the most important factor to improve the prognosis after a cancer diagnosis. If breast cancer is diagnosed early on, the five-year survival rate is well above 90 percent in industrial countries. By investing a short amount of time for a quick exam, patients can increase the likelihood of continuing life as usual.

Linda Gallant is our colleague. She found two lumps after a self-exam in 2020 only around a few months after one of the regular check-ups. Linda has been in healthcare all of her professional life and took her cancer on like a personal project. Naming the tumors (Midge and Beth) helped Linda to address her emotions directly to them, and helped her deal with the emotional rollercoaster that comes with a cancer diagnosis.

A closer look at modern mammography

Mammography is the most efficient method for this purpose, and more effective than palpation. Experts assume that the average size of a lump detected by mammography is 0.5 cm, while the average size of a lump that women can detect through regular self-examination is around 2 cm.

What is a mammography?

An imaging technique in which low-energy X-rays are used to picture the breast tissue. Mammography makes alterations visible that cannot be detected through palpation yet. This includes lumps as well as calcium deposits and cysts.

How modern mammography is used today to improve diagnostic results.

Mammography can be a source of anxiety for the patient. In Denmark, one university hospital is putting great emphasis on making breast examinations more comfortable, while at the same time enabling more personalized care with improved diagnostic accuracy.

Listen to our podcast episode on mobile breast cancer screenings 

Improving access to breast care with mobile screenings and AI
Healthcare Perspectives
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Improving access to breast care with mobile screenings and AI
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Learn about what breast cancer screening entails and the barriers stopping women from being screened. You’ll also find out about mobile mammography trucks and the problems they are solving. Additionally, you’ll hear about the role that artificial intelligence (AI) can play in improving the diagnostic process.

Innovative solution for better detection

Tomosynthesis overcomes diagnostic challenges such as overlapping tissue. Alexander Büttner from Breast Center Suedbaden explains why it can also help to detect cancer earlier.

Alexander Büttner

The better the image quality, the more accurate the detection.

Alexander Büttner, MD, Breast Center Suedbaden

Huge data calls for smart support by AI

As part of every preventive medical check-up, substantial data is generated that has to be analysed promptly. Artificial intelligence offers smart support for the experts.

Individual treatment

Optimal outcomes for breast cancer depend on a timely diagnosis followed by an organized, multidisciplinary approach to individual treatment. Following the first pioneers on the field of breast cancer, Siemens Healthineers has remained committed to fighting this disease. Beginning with its first mammography system in 1972, further key developments such as tomosynthesis but also breast MRI and dedicated ultrasound solutions have helped us to offer ways to find cancer earlier and move toward personalized care. 

With the goal of supporting clinical decision-making throughout the entire care pathway, our portfolio includes imaging technology to attain the highest level of accuracy for screening, but also for diagnostics, disease characterization, and treatment. Emerging digital technologies complement and enhance these offerings, empowering decisions and making care more precise and efficient.

Christian Weissenberger

Radiation therapy will continue to evolve to become even more precise.

Christian Weissenberger, MD, Breast Center Suedbaden

Examination and treatments are becoming more gentle as technology advances. Examples of this include patient-oriented development of the contact surfaces, imaging diagnostics becoming ever more refined, as well as targeted, minimally invasive procedures.

Patient-focused care

Varian and Siemens Healthineers are dedicated to connecting all care aspects to achieve a world without fear of cancer. Intelligent Cancer Care™ stands for integrated, connected care pathways designed to drive efficiencies and deliver world-class treatment along the cancer continuum to increase impact where it matters most: patients. 

To help patients prepare for the fight, Varian provides a brief outline of what they can expect during treatment with radiotherapy and radiosurgery.

Therapy will continue to evolve

The Breast Center Suedbaden in Freiburg, southwest Germany, doesn’t just offer breast cancer patients state-of-the-art diagnostics and therapy with high-tech equipment from Siemens Healthineers. It also accompanies women with breast cancer from discovery to recovery through special services.

Christian Weissenberger, MD,  from Breast Center Suedbaden takes a look at the future. In his opinion, radiation therapy will be an essential part of breast care therapy tomorrow, and it will continue to evolve to become even more precise.

How to stay strong

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How long will I have to undergo radiation treatment? Is radiation treatment painful or uncomfortable? Will I be alone in the treatment room? As a cancer patient, you have a lot of questions and uncertainty can arise if answers keep you waiting.
Portrait of Dany Michalski

Get different opinions, get the best doctors and make sure it is the best equipment.

Dany Michalski, TV presenter and breast cancer patient

Only if we build up knowledge, can we be confident in dealing with the disease. Our colleagues at Varian provide information and answers to the most pressing questions.

  1. [1] WHO EMRO | Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2021 | Campaigns | Les maladies non transmissibles 
    [2] American Cancer society. Breast Cancer Facts& Figures 2019-2020. Atlanta: American Cancer Society, Inc. 2019; S.20. 


    The statements by customers of Siemens Healthineers described herein are based on results that were achieved in the customer’s unique setting. Since there is no “typical” hospital and many variables exist (e.g., hospital size, case mix, level of IT adoption) there can be no guarantee that other customers will achieve the same results.  

    Clinical speakers receive financial support from Siemens Healthineers for collaborations.