Welcome to Andrea De Censi, New Director of the Breast Unit

With more than three decades of pioneering work in breast cancer prevention, Dr Andrea De Censi, has joined the Champalimaud Foundation as the new Director of the Breast Unit. An internationally recognised medical oncologist and a leader in chemoprevention, Dr De Censi brings a vision that integrates prevention, clinical care and translational research in a patient-centred model.

Andrea is the former Director of Medical Oncology and the Department of Medicine at Galliera Hospital in Genoa, Italy and co-founded Italy’s first Clinical Unit of Cancer Chemoprevention at the European Institute of Oncology in Milan. He has led major international clinical trials investigating low-dose therapies, including tamoxifen, metformin and exemestane. His research has influenced global clinical practice, particularly in identifying the minimum effective dose of preventive therapies, improving quality of life and reducing side effects for women at high risk of developing breast cancer. Author of nearly 300 scientific publications and Honorary Professor at the Queen Mary University of London, Dr De Censi now brings his expertise to Lisbon.

A New Chapter in Lisbon

Dr De Censi arrived in Portugal in late October (2025) and has been warmly welcomed. He says the city has immediately impressed him. “Lisbon is a beautiful city. The food is excellent, and people are very kind and hospitable. I feel very happy with this move.” Although he is not yet fluent in Portuguese, he notes that the Latin roots of the language make it manageable and hopes to speak comfortably within a few months.

When reflecting on his decision to join CF, he describes the role as an exciting new challenge. “I have reached a point in my career where I could step back and slow down, but I still have a strong desire to contribute. This is a rare opportunity to have new experiences in another country, in an institution with an excellent international reputation. I felt truly honoured to be invited and I still have plenty to offer the field.”

Prevention and Low-Dose Therapies

Dr De Censi is internationally recognised for his work in breast cancer chemoprevention, particularly low-dose therapies. “Low-dose tamoxifen has become standard in the United States for the treatment of breast DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) and high risk lesions, and is included in all major guidelines. I am proud that our research has changed practice and helped patients.”

He emphasises that prevention requires a careful balance. “Quantity of life is important, but quality of life is not less important. In prevention and treatment of early disease – now the vast majority of breast cancer patients – we treat people with an excellent prognosis, so finding the minimum effective dose is essential. Oncology has traditionally focused on maximum tolerated doses, but the next frontier is de-escalation and patient-centred care.” Focussing on the future, he went on: “We want treatments to reduce risk without causing unnecessary side effects. We also need to develop strong academic, nonprofit clinical research to give an impact on public health. Lifestyle measures, such as diet, physical activity, weight control and limiting alcohol, are also crucial and should be combined with drug preventive therapy.”

Dr De Censi also highlights the importance of translating research into practice. “I have always worked with laboratory researchers using biomarkers to get early signals before large survival studies. This approach allows discoveries to reach patients faster while maintaining rigorous scientific standards.”

Leading the Unit and the Team

Joining a new team always comes with challenges, and Dr De Censi is committed to fostering a constructive, collaborative environment. “The team here is outstanding, with strong doctors, nurses and administrative staff. One of my priorities is to build strong relationships and ensure everyone’s potential is fully realised.”

He also sees research and clinical care as intertwined rather than separate. “It can be a dilemma, as both take time and energy, and it can even affect family life. But it is a privilege to translate discoveries directly into patient care. The clinical perspective informs research, and research informs the clinic.”

Life Beyond Medicine

Outside work, Dr De Censi has been enjoying exploring Lisbon and nearby Cascais, and watching sports, particularly football and tennis. He is a passionate sommelier but has learned moderation. Admitting that there is some contradiction in being an oncologist and a wine expert – “a conflict of interest!” as he himself proclaimed – he offers some advice: “The trick is to choose good wine and enjoy it slowly!”

His wife and their two Rhodesian Ridgebacks, large and lively dogs, will join him next year. “The streets here are slippery when it rains, so I’m a little worried about them pulling me down the Lisbon hills!” he laughs. A keen fan of Inter Milan, he confesses to being drawn to following Benfica, given that the current manager, José Mourinho, led his beloved Nerazzurri to an unprecedented treble in 2010.

Looking Ahead

“I am looking forward to contributing to this extraordinary institution,” he says. “The team is excellent and I feel very fortunate to be here. My goal is to expand our prevention research, strengthen academic clinical trials and integrate care so that patients benefit from both cutting-edge science and the highest standards of clinical care.”

The Champalimaud community warmly welcomes Dr De Censi and looks forward to the exciting developments ahead in the Breast Unit.
 

Text by John Lee, Content Developer at the Champalimaud Foundation’s Communication, Events and Outreach Team