The most common type of cancer in the world: breast cancer

Medical Oncology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hatice Yılmaz stated that breast cancer, which develops with the formation of malignant cells in breast tissue, is the most common type of cancer in the world and is also a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Providing information about the factors that protect against breast cancer and those that increase the risk, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yılmaz pointed out that early diagnosis in breast cancer increases treatment success.

''WHILE SOME RISK FACTORS CAN BE AVOIDED...''

Stating that the risk of cancer varies from person to person depending on genes, lifestyle, and environmental factors, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yılmaz said, "Factors that increase the likelihood of developing cancer are called cancer risk factors, and those that reduce the risk of developing cancer are called protective factors. While some risk factors can be avoided, most cannot be prevented. For example, both smoking and carrying certain genes are risk factors for some types of cancer. However, while smoking can be avoided, it is not really possible to change genes. Avoiding risk factors and increasing protective factors can reduce the risk of cancer, but this does not mean that one will not develop cancer."

''IF THERE IS A FAMILY HISTORY OF BREAST CANCER, THE RISK IS HIGHER''

While stating that the biggest risk factor is being a woman, she emphasized that breast cancer can also be seen in men, albeit rarely. Furthermore, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yılmaz stated that the risk of breast cancer is higher in women of advanced age and those with a history of breast cancer in their first-degree relatives (mother, sister, or daughter).

Touching upon the fact that dense breast tissue is a risk-increasing factor, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yılmaz mentioned that "increased breast density is usually an inherited trait, but it can also occur in women who do not have children, have their first pregnancy at an older age, take hormones after menopause, or use alcohol." She also mentioned that prolonged exposure to estrogen in situations such as "starting menstruation before the age of 12, late onset of menopause, becoming pregnant for the first time after the age of 35, or never becoming pregnant" can also increase the risk. She added that obesity and high alcohol consumption are also among the risk factors for breast cancer.

''BECOMING PREGNANT AT A YOUNG AGE REDUCES THE RISK''

Medical Oncology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hatice Yılmaz stated that the factors of "becoming pregnant at a young age or breastfeeding" protect against cancer by reducing a woman's exposure to estrogen. Dr. Yılmaz said, "The risk of breast cancer in women who experience pregnancy at an early age is lower than in women who do not have children or who give birth to their first child after the age of 35. Breastfeeding also has a protective effect. Research shows that the risk of developing breast cancer in women who breastfeed is lower than in women who have children but do not breastfeed."

''DRUGS USED IN BREAST CANCER REDUCE THE PROBABILITY OF RECURRENCE''

Stating that tamoxifen treatment increases the risk of hot flashes, uterine cancer, stroke, cataracts, and blood clots (especially in the lungs and leg veins), and that the risk of uterine cancer continues for 5 years after the drug is discontinued, but the risk of cataracts or blood clots does not last long, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yılmaz said, "Aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, letrozole) and the inactivator exemestane reduce the risk of recurrence and the development of new breast cancer in women with a history of breast cancer. Aromatase inhibitors also reduce the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women with a history of breast cancer, and in women aged 60 and over without a history of breast cancer who have a history of DCIS and have undergone a mastectomy, which is the removal of the entire breast."

Pointing out that some women with a high risk of breast cancer resort to a method known as prophylactic mastectomy, which is the removal of the inside of the breast even though there are no signs of cancer, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yılmaz continued as follows;

"Treatments that stop or reduce the amount of estrogen produced by the ovaries include surgery to remove the ovaries, radiotherapy, or taking certain medications. This is called ovarian ablation. Premenopausal women at high risk for breast cancer due to specific changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes may choose to undergo risk-reducing oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries without signs of cancer). This reduces the risk of breast cancer by reducing the amount of estrogen the body produces."

Medical Oncology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yılmaz stated that professional counseling services should be sought regarding this matter, as these treatments can lead to consequences such as hot flashes, sleep problems, anxiety and depression, decreased sexual drive, vaginal dryness, and decreased bone density due to the sudden drop in estrogen levels.

Finally, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yılmaz underlined that women who exercise physically have a lower risk of developing breast cancer.