Algė Leveckytė, a breast oncology doctor at the Vilnius Diagnostic and Surgical Clinic “Meliva” Breast Cancer Center, emphasizes that successful treatment protocols for breast cancer depend significantly on proactive prevention measures, not solely on medical intervention. According to the doctor, the approach to breast cancer diagnosis and management is undergoing a fundamental transformation. “The chances of overcoming this disease are better than ever before,” stated Dr.
Leveckytė. She highlighted the critical importance of early detection, noting that when breast cancer is identified in its initial stages, the five-year survival rate reaches an encouraging 95.3%, leading to substantial annual improvements in lives saved. Despite these advancements in treatment and survival rates, the doctor pointed to a persistent gap in public health awareness regarding early screening.
While a free early diagnosis program has been operational since 2005, Dr. Leveckytė observed that participation rates remain low. She indicated that approximately only one in two women who are invited to participate in the check-up actually utilize the service.
This observation suggests that while medical science has advanced considerably in treating breast cancer, efforts must now focus heavily on improving community uptake of preventative screenings. The expert stressed that increasing public awareness about the benefits of timely diagnosis is crucial to maximizing the effectiveness of existing healthcare resources and improving overall patient outcomes.
Topics: #breast #cancer #doctor
