Stating that breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, Uz. Dr. Yordanagil said, “One in every 4 women diagnosed with cancer is breast cancer. Breast cancer ranks first in cancer-related deaths in women. Although breast cancer is mostly seen in women over the age of 50, young breast cancer is more common in our country. Approximately 20 percent of patients with breast cancer in Turkey are seen in patients under the age of 40.”
Dr. Mevlüt Yordanagil, Surgical Oncology Specialist at Kocaeli City Hospital, made statements due to Breast Cancer Awareness month. Explaining how cancer spreads, Uz. Dr. Mevlüt Yordanagil said, “Breast cancer is caused by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells in the breast tissue. Initially, cancer grows slowly in the breast and may not give any symptoms for years. As the cancer stage progresses, a mass and swelling occurs in the breast. Over time, cancer cells spread to the axillary lymph nodes through lymphatic pathways and spread to other organs and parts of the body through the blood circulation system as the next step.”
“Young age breast cancer is more common in our country”
Stating that breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, Uz. Dr. Yordanagil said, “One in every 4 women diagnosed with cancer is breast cancer. Breast cancer ranks first in cancer-related deaths in women. Although breast cancer is mostly seen in women over the age of 50, young breast cancer is more common in our country. Approximately 20 percent of patients with breast cancer in Turkey are seen in patients under the age of 40.”
Symptoms and risk factors of breast cancer
Explaining the symptoms of breast cancer, Yordanagil said, “A palpable swelling or mass in the breast or armpit, bloody or transparent discharge from the nipple, scarring, crusting or redness of the nipple, deformity such as collapse, discoloration of the nipple, redness, edema, orange peel appearance on the breast skin, asymmetric growth of the breast can be counted. Risk factors for breast cancer include obesity, smoking and alcohol use, younger age at first menstruation (before the age of 12), never having given birth, never breastfeeding or breastfeeding for less than 12 months, using birth control pills for a long time before the first birth, Having the first birth after the age of 35, late menopause age (not entering menopause until the age of 55), receiving hormone therapy after menopause, having BRCA-1, BRCA-2 diseased breast cancer genes, having a family history of breast cancer.”
“It is important for women to get into the habit of self-examination after the age of 20”
Finally, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis in breast cancer, Uz. Prof. Dr. Mevlüt Yordanagil said, “Early diagnosis in breast cancer both facilitates treatment and increases the chance of success of treatment. For early diagnosis of breast cancer, it is important for women to acquire the habit of self-examination after the age of 20. They are advised to consult a physician in any suspicious situation. When consulting a physician, a detailed physical examination is performed and diagnostic methods such as breast ultrasound, mammography and MRI may be requested. When a suspicious mass is detected, a breast biopsy is performed. Treatment of breast cancer may vary according to its stage. In early stages, treatment may start with surgery. In more advanced stages, chemotherapy is given before surgery. Breast cancer can be operated with various techniques. Breast-conserving surgery is performed whenever possible. However, breast tissue can be completely removed when necessary. Apart from surgery, breast cancer can be treated with chemotherapy, hormone therapy and radiation therapy.”
