Breast cancer is one of the most serious threats to women’s health in Ukraine. Now, however, the situation is complicated by the war, which has led to an increase in the number of advanced cases. According to Oleksandr Dobronos, an oncologist at the Sumy Regional Clinical Oncology Center, the war and prolonged stress have increased the incidence, as many patients cannot get to the hospital in time. Stress caused by danger and the loss of normal life suppresses the immune system, which contributes to the progression of diseases, including cancer.
One of the key areas of the oncology center’s work is comprehensive breast cancer diagnosis. The diagnostic methods available at the center make it possible to detect a tumor at the earliest stages of development. This is especially important, because early detection increases the chances of successful treatment. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the center’s specialists choose the best treatment method, taking into account the stage of the disease, the size of the tumor, and the patient’s age and general health. Surgery is the main treatment for breast cancer. Our center offers both breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy. In some cases, if the tumor is detected at an early stage, it is possible to remove only the affected part of the breast, which preserves the breast and avoids drastic changes in appearance.
However, even after successful treatment, many women need breast restoration. We offer reconstructive and plastic surgery for patients who have lost a breast as a result of surgery. Thanks to modern techniques and materials, patients can restore the shape of their breasts, choosing between different reconstruction methods. One of the most common approaches is implant placement, which makes it possible to achieve a natural result and restore women’s self-confidence. Breast reconstruction helps not only physically but also psychologically, allowing patients to return to normal life without a sense of loss.
Support from psychologists is also important: they help women cope with the emotional consequences of the disease and adapt to new circumstances. Under the impact of war and stress, patients need psychological support even more than before. Fear of possible recurrence, loss of stability and difficulties in accessing medical services increase the need for psychosocial support. The center has experienced psychologists who help patients maintain a positive outlook and overcome fears and anxiety related to the diagnosis and treatment.
Breast cancer in wartime poses new challenges for the healthcare system and society as a whole. Successfully fighting the disease requires coordinated work by doctors, family support, government backing and civic awareness. The Sumy Regional Clinical Oncology Center does everything possible to ensure that every patient receives proper medical care and has the opportunity to return to a full life, despite all the difficulties she faces.