Breast cancer management in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In this podcast episode, Dr. Layla Hadchikadesh Gushich and her team in Bosnia and Herzegovina are working on developing multidisciplinary guidelines for cancer care in the region. The lack of accurate data on cancer patients, treatments, and deaths due to the absence of a central registry is a significant challenge. The episode emphasizes the importance of cancer screening, genetic testing, and taking a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Various tools and procedures used in cancer diagnosis and treatment, such as imaging, biopsies, pathology, and surgical techniques, are explored. The recommendations for breast cancer management in Bosnia and Herzegovina are also discussed, including factors like neo adjuvant chemotherapy, adjuvant systemic therapy, and radiotherapy. The podcast episode also highlights the importance of specialized molecular profiling tests and suggests the need for a central registry to monitor patient data. Overall, the episode promotes the importance of comprehensive cancer care and the need for improved data management in the Bosnian healthcare system. Takeaways • Dr. Layla Hadchikadesh Gushich and her team aim to establish the first multidisciplinary guidelines for cancer care in Bosnia and Herzegovina. • The absence of a central registry in Bosnia and Herzegovina leads to a lack of accurate data on cancer patients, treatments, and deaths in the country. • The episode highlights the importance of cancer screening, with a focus on mammograms for women over forty and early testing for those with a family history of cancer. • Genetic testing is strongly advised for high-risk cancer patients, particularly those with a personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer or other relevant genetic mutations. • A multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment is emphasized, with instructions and recommendations provided for various specialties involved in cancer care. • Imaging, biopsies, and pathology play crucial roles in cancer diagnosis, with the importance of timely completion of tests and procedures highlighted. • Surgical techniques and approaches that prioritize patient well-being and body image are recommended. • The management of breast cancer in Bosnia and Herzegovina includes considerations for neo adjuvant chemotherapy, adjuvant systemic therapy, radiotherapy, and specialized molecular profiling tests. • The establishment of a central registry is proposed to monitor and optimize patient care and treatment outcomes in Bosnia and Herzegovina.