Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women. The Breast Health Center at Klinik Ottakring was re-certified in , reaffirming its high standards in diagnostics, therapy, and follow-up care.
In Austria, breast cancer is by far the most common type of tumor diagnosed in women. In 2025 alone, approximately 9,900 women received treatment within the Vienna Health Association. Patients with a reasonable suspicion of breast cancer are referred to one of the association’s six Breast Health Centers, including Klinik Ottakring.
The clinic has now been re-certified according to the internationally recognized DocCert system, which regularly reviews structural, process, and outcome quality. This positive outcome confirms the center’s adherence to demanding standards.
Comprehensive Screening and Care
“At Klinik Ottakring, all relevant specialist departments – including surgery, gynecology, oncology, radiology, radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, pathology, and plastic surgery – are directly available on site and work closely together,” explains Kristina Schönau, Senior Physician and Head of the Breast Health Center at Klinik Ottakring. This interdisciplinary collaboration allows the clinic to provide holistic care to patients from the first suspicion through long after the completion of therapy.
The re-certification highlights a commitment to providing women with access to advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options. While the provided text doesn’t detail specific screening methods, broader research indicates ongoing advancements in breast cancer detection. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) supports studies evaluating 3-D mammography (tomosynthesis) against standard 2-D mammography, aiming to improve early detection and successful treatment rates. Researchers are also investigating the use of contrast-enhanced mammography for women with a history of breast cancer or dense breasts, and exploring markers like breast stiffness to identify cancer in those with dense breast tissue. Artificial intelligence (AI) is also being explored to improve mammogram interpretation.
The importance of interdisciplinary care, as emphasized by Dr. Schönau, reflects a growing trend in oncology. Effective breast cancer treatment often requires a team approach, integrating the expertise of surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and plastic surgeons. This collaborative model ensures that patients receive comprehensive and coordinated care tailored to their individual needs.
Recent research also points to the increasing complexity of breast cancer treatment. The FDA’s removal of the black box warning from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in demonstrates an evolving understanding of hormonal therapies and their role in managing menopausal symptoms, potentially impacting quality of life for breast cancer survivors. New treatments like imlunestrant (Inluriyo) are becoming available, offering additional options for patients with specific types of breast cancer.
The rise in lobular breast cancer rates in the U.S., as noted in recent breast cancer news, underscores the need for continued research into the subtypes of this disease. Understanding the unique characteristics of different breast cancer types is crucial for developing targeted therapies and improving patient outcomes.
Advances in radiation therapy, such as proton therapy, are also offering potential benefits for certain patients. Proton therapy has been shown to be better than traditional radiation for leptomeningeal disease, and both proton and X-ray radiation therapy offer good quality of life, according to recent studies.
The emergence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) with the use of pembrolizumab in early triple-negative breast cancer (eTNBC) treatment is an area of ongoing investigation. A retrospective analysis found a rate of irAEs of 63.9%, with 20% being grade 3 or higher. Interestingly, the study also showed a significant correlation between the emergence of irAEs and pathological complete response (pCR), suggesting a potential link between immune system activation and treatment success. However, early discontinuation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy due to adverse events correlated with a lower pCR rate, highlighting the importance of careful management of irAEs.
Beyond medical interventions, supportive therapies like tai chi are being recognized for their benefits in managing breast cancer-related pain. Research suggests that even a single workout can have positive effects at the cellular level, emphasizing the importance of physical activity in cancer prevention, and treatment. Self-administered hypnosis is also being explored as a potential remedy for hot flashes, a common side effect of breast cancer treatment.
The re-certification of Klinik Ottakring’s Breast Health Center signifies a dedication to providing high-quality, comprehensive care to women facing breast cancer. Continued research and advancements in treatment are offering new hope and improved outcomes for patients, but This proves also important to be aware of misinformation surrounding breast cancer, as highlighted by recent reports.
