Expertise, Advanced Therapy, Personalized Support, and Treatment Options A suspected breast cancer diagnosis can cause significant anxiety for patients and their loved ones. Lumps, changes in breast shape, size, skin color, and pain require medical examination and clarification. The first steps should include: Consultation with a family doctor or gynecologist Seeking a second opinion – The Breast Cancer Center offers comprehensive diagnostics and treatment recommendations. Early diagnosis is crucial in the fight against breast cancer. Whether caused by chance, genetics, or risk factors, breast cancer is largely treatable if detected early and managed correctly, and treatment is possible at all stages. The stage and characteristics of the tumor, along with the quality of treatment and the expertise of the medical team, significantly impact recovery chances and disease progression. At our Breast Cancer Center, we use cutting-edge diagnostic methods, including mammography, high-resolution ultrasound, PET-CT, MRI, and biopsy. These technologies allow for rapid and precise diagnosis, forming the basis for an individualized treatment plan. The Breast Cancer Center is part of the Interdisciplinary Oncology Center at St. Mary’s Hospital in Düsseldorf. All cases are discussed in weekly oncology board meetings, ensuring the most precise and effective treatment approach. Treatment Options at the Breast Cancer Center The center offers a wide range of treatment options, from surgery to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. [...]

Why Diabetes is Dangerous Even for Those Who Feel Healthy Type 2 diabetes is often perceived as a manageable condition with medication and minor lifestyle changes. However, even when patients feel well, diabetes can silently cause severe complications. This was confirmed in the case of a 70-year-old patient who felt healthy but was found to have critical heart and kidney damage during a medical examination. The woman led an active lifestyle and believed her diabetes was well-controlled with insulin and metformin—a common diabetes medication. She also took medication for high blood pressure. After her diagnosis, she managed to lose weight from 105 kg to 90 kg, which she thought had positively impacted her health. However, laboratory results showed her glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level was 9, whereas the normal value is below 6, indicating poor diabetes control. Significant kidney dysfunction was also detected, with her kidneys functioning at only 25% of their normal capacity. In such cases, medication adjustments are necessary, as some drugs, including metformin, can accumulate in the body when kidney function declines, leading to complications. "Are You Saying I Need Dialysis?" “The patient was shocked by these results, as she had been regularly monitored by doctors. Somewhat ironically, she asked if she now needed dialysis (a blood purification procedure for kidney failure). I told her that many patients [...]

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Every year, more than 1.1 million new cases are diagnosed worldwide, with 68,579 cases recorded in Germany as of 2019. Malignant prostate tumors often develop without noticeable symptoms. Our team at the Clinic for Urology, Urologic Oncology, and Pediatric Oncology has compiled essential information about prostate cancer, along with recommendations for prevention and treatment. Survival Rates and Risk Factors The relative 10-year survival rate for prostate cancer is 88%. The risk of developing the disease increases with age, with the average age of diagnosis being 72 years. Another significant risk factor is a family history of prostate cancer, particularly in close relatives such as a father, brother, or paternal uncle. In the early stages, the disease is often asymptomatic, and symptoms such as difficulty urinating usually appear only when the tumor has significantly enlarged. Early Detection: The Key to Successful Treatment PSA Test for Early Prostate Cancer Diagnosis The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is the most informative method for the early detection of prostate cancer. Men aged 45 and older can undergo prostate cancer screening by measuring PSA levels in their blood. Those with a family history of the disease are advised to start screening at 40. Other Early Diagnostic Methods: Digital Rectal Examination [...]

Many people do not take the symptoms of heart failure seriously, as survey data shows. A representative survey reveals that many people overlook the symptoms. Almost every second person has reasons to ignore signs of the disease, explains Professor Thorsten Dill, a cardiologist at the Sana Clinical Complex in Benrath. "Strengthen Your Heart! Recognizing and Treating Heart Failure" – this is the motto of this year's Heart Week. Many people do not take the early symptoms of heart failure seriously enough. A recent Civey study commissioned by Sana Kliniken AG highlights which symptoms are most frequently ignored and why. A representative online survey of 5,000 German citizens aged 18 and older, completed in early November, indicates that residents of North Rhine-Westphalia have very limited knowledge about the clinical picture of heart failure. The first warning signs of heart failure include an increased feeling of fatigue, worsening breathing difficulties, swelling in the feet or ankles, and frequent nighttime urination. Approximately 85% of North Rhine-Westphalia residents do not consider frequent nighttime urination a reason to see a doctor. More than two-thirds of respondents would not seek medical examination even if they felt increased strain on their bodies. Early Warning Signs Are Often Unrecognized For more than 60% of North Rhine-Westphalia residents, swelling in the feet or ankles would not prompt them to [...]

A ceremony was held in Duesseldorf to honor Professor Stephan Martin for his outstanding contributions to public service. The chief diabetologist and director of the West German Diabetes and Health Center (WDGZ) received a prestigious state award from the Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hendrik Wuest, in recognition of his efforts to advance healthcare and improve the quality of life for patients in North Rhine-Westphalia. Professor Martin is one of the leading experts in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and the treatment of diabetes. Among his many accomplishments, he has developed a globally unique diabetes care program that has been successfully implemented for many years in the network of Catholic clinics in Duesseldorf. As the director of the West German Diabetes and Health Center, he and his team are responsible for comprehensive diabetes treatment at the hospitals of the Catholic Clinical Complex (VKKD), as well as conducting scientific research and studies. He and his team have developed new lifestyle modification methods that can help people with obesity and type 2 diabetes completely overcome the disease. The world’s first "Duesseldorf Bread Study," published in a scientific journal in 2023, garnered widespread interest by demonstrating the impact of different types of bread on insulin secretion and associated weight gain. This study exemplifies Professor Martin's work, which has helped establish North Rhine-Westphalia as [...]

Rapid Recovery: A New Quality of Life After Joint Replacement When Udo Jurgens sings about life only beginning at 66, Helmut Winkler can only smile in response. The Düsseldorf native looks 66, but in October, he celebrated his 100th birthday. And that’s not all. On July 26, 2023, Dr. Alexander Olk replaced his hip joint. Just six days after the surgery, Helmut Winkler stepped onto the balcony of his hospital room at Sana Benrath without crutches and happily declared to himself and the world that he was feeling great! From a medical perspective, there are no age restrictions for hip replacement surgery. With the increasing average age of the population, more elderly patients require knee or hip surgery. "In principle, it is possible at any age. In addition to your physical condition and any underlying health conditions, your overall level of activity is crucial. Pain-related mobility limitations, especially for elderly people who live independently, can lead to a loss of independence and the need for care," says Dr. Alexander Olk, Head of the Department of Orthopedic, Trauma, and Reconstructive Surgery at the Sana clinical complex in Benrath. Since 2023, new treatment approaches have been used for patients in need of an artificial hip joint. The program is called Rapid Recovery, which means "fast recovery." Everything went according to plan for [...]

Bread is a staple food in many countries around the world. On average, each German consumes about 58 kg of bread per year—approximately 3.5 slices per day. However, when it comes to weight loss, nutritionists often recommend cutting out bread and the carbohydrates it contains. A new scientific study from Düsseldorf suggests that not all bread is the same. A research team led by Dr. Kerstin Kempf and Professor Dr. med. Stephan Martin from the West German Center for Diabetes and Health (WDGZ) examined the effects of different types of bread on body weight in people with obesity. Their hypothesis was that consuming bread that does not cause sharp insulin spikes could be a simple and effective step toward a "low-insulin" lifestyle for overweight individuals. The key idea behind the study is the connection between high insulin levels and weight gain: insulin not only facilitates sugar absorption by cells but also slows down fat burning. This is the first scientific study in the world to analyze the impact of different types of bread on insulin release and body weight dynamics. It was conducted in collaboration with the Düsseldorf-based bakery Hinkel. A total of 80 overweight participants took part in the experiment. For three months, half of the participants consumed whole-grain rye bread daily, while the other half ate bread with a [...]

Professor Stefan Martin recommends undergoing check-ups three times a year and monitoring risk factors. Almost every second person with type 2 diabetes develops chronic kidney disease. Besides high blood pressure, this form of diabetes is the biggest risk factor for kidney damage. The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating fluid and mineral balance, eliminating toxins through urine, controlling blood pressure and acid-base balance, and producing hormones such as erythropoietin (essential for blood formation). Excessively high blood sugar levels can impair the kidneys' filtering function. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common complications of type 2 diabetes. Once the kidneys are chronically damaged, patients face severe consequences: they have a tenfold increased risk of death, a tenfold higher likelihood of needing dialysis, and a reduced life expectancy by 16 years. According to Professor Dr. med. Stephan Martin, chief physician and director of the West German Center for Diabetes and Health (WDGZ), kidney damage is not only a risk factor for kidney failure but also increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. To prevent this, it is essential to strictly follow the schedule for preventive check-ups with a general practitioner. Kidney function screening should be performed three times a year. Once a year, blood creatinine levels should be measured, and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) should be [...]

Modern radiation therapy is a powerful weapon in the fight against cancer. It targets malignant cells, destroying them with high precision. Modern radiation therapy is a powerful weapon in the fight against cancer. It targets malignant cells, destroying them with high precision. Radiation used in radiotherapy is similar to that emitted by a smartphone or microwave oven but significantly more powerful. In radiotherapy, it is directed specifically at malignant cells, limiting their activity while simultaneously protecting surrounding tissues and organs. For long-term recovery with a good quality of life and little to no side effects, controlling the tumor at the site of the primary disease is essential. At the Clinic for Radiation Therapy and Radiation Oncology, led by Professor Dr. med. Karl-Axel Hartmann at Marienhospital in Duesseldorf, high-precision radiotherapy is employed. The clinic specializes in interdisciplinary radiotherapeutic treatment of malignant diseases, as around 50 percent of such cases require this form of therapy. The clinic is equipped with three radiation devices—so-called linear accelerators—featuring cone-beam CT technology. Additionally, it utilizes the ExacTrac Dynamic Surface® system for high-precision irradiation (stereotactic radiotherapy) of the brain and torso. Radiotherapy as an Interdisciplinary Discipline High-precision irradiation is carried out in close coordination with specialists. This has led to collaborations among clinics within the Interdisciplinary Oncology Center (IOZ), which was established at Marienhospital in Duesseldorf [...]

What is semaglutide? Semaglutide belongs to the group of GLP-1 receptor agonists and was initially used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Its weekly injections help reduce blood sugar levels and lower cardiovascular risks in patients with diabetes. How does it work? Semaglutide suppresses appetite by acting on the relevant centers in the brain, creating a feeling of fullness, which leads to weight loss. This mechanism of action has made the drug popular in recent months as a weight loss aid, sparking a real craze. Semaglutide without a Diabetes Diagnosis Due to its effectiveness, semaglutide has been used for some time not only for diabetes but also for treating obesity in people without the condition. Research shows that patients with obesity (body mass index of 30 or higher) lose significant weight while using the drug. However, its use is only possible under medical supervision, in combination with a low-calorie diet and increased physical activity. In 2021, semaglutide under the brand name Wegovy was approved in the U.S. for obesity treatment. It was approved in Germany in January 2022, but has not yet been made available due to high demand in the U.S. An Easy Way to Lose Weight or a Dangerous Trend? The idea of easy weight loss through injections sounds tempting, so it’s no surprise [...]