“One in 8 women at risk”

Private Gaziantep MMT American Hospital General Surgeon Op. Dr. Hasan Erkurt pointed out that breast diseases are one of the most common health problems in women and stated that these diseases are evaluated in two main groups as benign and malignant.

Private Gaziantep MMT American Hospital General Surgeon Op. Dr. Hasan Erkurt made statements within the scope of October 1-31 Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Op. Dr. Erkurt pointed out that breast diseases are one of the most common health problems in women and stated that these diseases are evaluated in two main groups as benign and malignant. Stating that breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women, Op. Dr. Erkurt said, “One in every 8 women is at risk of breast cancer. Approximately 25 thousand women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in Turkey.”

“Early diagnosis is the gold standard in breast cancer”

Emphasizing that it is possible to get rid of breast cancer with early diagnosis and treatment without the need to remove the breast, Op. Dr. Erkurt listed the risk factors for breast cancer as follows: “Advanced age, family history (presence of breast cancer in first and second degree relatives), some familial cancer syndromes, early menstruation, late menopause and use of birth control pills”.

Cancer symptoms

Referring to the symptoms of breast cancer, Op.Dr. Erkurt said, “A palpable painless, hard-structured, immobile and irregularly limited mass, shape and size difference between the two breasts, redness, bruising, edema, discoloration, crusting, depression and bloody or bloodless discharge from the nipple. In addition, swelling in the armpit is also among the symptoms.”

“Early diagnosis saves lives”

Drawing attention to the importance of early diagnosis, Op. Dr. Erkurt said, “Breast self-examination, annual general surgery specialist control and annual mammography controls from the age of 40 are critical for early diagnosis of breast cancer.”

Stating that tru-cut (needle) biopsy is the gold standard method in suspected masses, and with this method, it can be determined whether the mass is benign or malignant, and if it is malignant, treatment planning is provided by revealing the type, spread and stage of the disease, Op.Dr. Erkurt said, “In breast cancers caught in the early stages, the tumor can be intervened directly without the need to remove the breast. In advanced stages, even if the breast is removed, a new breast can be made with prosthesis in the same session.”