General Surgery Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ümit Turan said that a mass in the breast, collapse of the nipple, bloody discharge, itching or flaking, redness or orange peel-like appearance on the breast skin are important signs indicating breast cancer.
Stating that breast cancer is one of the most important causes of cancer-related deaths in women, Medline Adana Hospital General Surgery Specialist Assoc. Dr. Ümit Turan gave important information, saying that the most effective method in the fight against the disease is for women to be aware of this disease and to know their body.
The incidence of the disease is increasing
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Turan said that breast cancer, which is the most common type of cancer in women after lung cancer in developed countries, is seen in 1 out of every 8 women, “This corresponds to 24 percent of all female cancers and approximately 15 percent of cancer deaths. Early diagnosis is the most important life-saving factor. The incidence of breast cancer continues to increase worldwide.”
Screening programs should not be neglected
Noting that many risk factors associated with breast cancer have been identified, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Turan said, “Some of these risk factors can be changed and some cannot be changed. However, the fact that a woman has these risk factors does not necessarily mean that she will develop breast cancer. Many women with risk factors may never develop cancer. Women in the at-risk group can benefit from screening programs or other preventive measures to get early diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer. In addition, it should be kept in mind that breast cancer can also occur in women without identifiable risk factors.”
Genetic transmission increases the risk
Noting that the risk of developing the disease is over 50 percent in a woman who has a strong family history of breast cancer and inherits one of the genes that predispose her to this type of cancer, Turan said, “In addition, even if a woman's personal risk factors indicate that she is unlikely to develop breast cancer, it is important for her to be informed about breast cancer screening and participate in programs.”
If there are symptoms, time should not be lost
Stating that a mass in the breast, collapse of the nipple, bloody discharge, itching or scaling, redness or orange peel-like appearance on the breast skin are important signs indicating breast cancer, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Turan suggested that women who notice such symptoms should consult a specialist physician in breast health without wasting time.
Early diagnosis saves lives
Stating that the screening programs implemented in our country have a life-saving role, Assoc. Prof. Turan explained what should be done for early diagnosis as follows:
“Women who do not have a family history of breast cancer and are in the standard risk group should start breast self-examination regularly every month from the age of 20. From the age of 35, it is important that annual clinical breast examinations are performed by a specialist doctor. Starting mammographic screening tests every 2 years after the age of 40 and every year from the age of 50 is of great importance for early diagnosis.”
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