Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Italy, with approximately 56,000 new cases reported in 2023. However, survival rates are improving, and regional differences in treatment access and outcomes are becoming more defined. Recent data from Sicily highlights a trend of high rates of in-region treatment, with a growing focus on early detection and advanced therapies.
Breast Cancer Incidence and Treatment in Sicily
According to data from the National Outcomes Plan (PNE), approximately saw 4,600 diagnoses and treatments for breast cancer in Sicily. Notably, 90.90% of these patients were treated within the region, while 9.10% sought care outside of Sicily. This comparatively low rate of “outgoing healthcare mobility” – patients traveling outside the region for treatment – suggests increasing capacity and quality of care within Sicily.
The Humanitas Breast Center at the Catanese Clinical Institute (ICC) played a significant role in this regional treatment landscape, providing care for 820 patients in . This volume positions the center as the fifth busiest in Italy for breast cancer treatment, according to data released by AGENAS at the end of last year.
The Multidisciplinary Approach to Breast Cancer Care
Francesco Caruso, Director of the Oncology Department and Clinical Director of the Humanitas Catanese Clinical Institute Breast Center, emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. “The Breast Center is the place where surgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and all the specialists involved work together,” he explained. “The discussion takes place in a structured way, through multidisciplinary meetings: each case is discussed and for each woman a path tailored to the specific characteristics of the disease and the person is defined. Breast cancer is not a single entity, there are different subtypes and each requires different therapeutic choices.”
This collaborative model allows for personalized treatment plans based on the specific characteristics of each patient’s disease. The center’s approach reflects a broader shift towards more individualized cancer care.
Rising Awareness and Improved Survival Rates
There is a growing trend of increased participation in both institutional screening programs and self-initiated check-ups. Caruso notes, “We are finally and fortunately witnessing a wonderful phenomenon: a new and great attention towards controls. Participation in institutional screening has resumed and, alongside these, checks carried out on personal initiative are also growing.”
Early detection is a critical factor in improving outcomes. When a cancer is identified at an earlier stage, the treatment plan can be less aggressive, and the quality of life for the patient can be significantly improved.
Advances in Breast Cancer Treatment
Beyond early detection, advancements in treatment options are also contributing to improved survival rates. Caruso highlights the increasing use of biological therapies and immunotherapy alongside traditional chemotherapy. These newer treatments represent a significant step forward in cancer care.
Data indicates a substantial improvement in long-term survival. Currently, ten-year survival rates for breast cancer reach 88.6%, a significant increase from approximately 45-48% thirty years ago. This improvement is attributed to progress in diagnostics, surgery, and the development of new therapeutic approaches.
National Burden of Breast Cancer in Italy
Nationally, breast cancer accounts for 31% of all cancer cases among women in Italy. Approximately 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, representing 30% of all annual cancer diagnoses. While Italy’s overall cancer mortality rate is 6% lower than the European Union average, and its cancer survival outcomes are among the best in Europe, disparities exist across different regions of the country.
The ongoing efforts to improve early detection, treatment access, and multidisciplinary care, as exemplified by centers like the Humanitas Breast Center in Sicily, are crucial for continuing to improve outcomes for women with breast cancer throughout Italy.
