Women at risk; 1 in every 8 women is a candidate for breast cancer

Stating that breast cancer, which is the most common type of cancer in women and the most frequent cause of cancer-related deaths both globally and in Turkey, is the uncontrolled and excessive proliferation of breast cells, Medical Oncology Specialist Dr. Neslihan Özyurt said, “Although breast cancer is 150 times more common in women than in men, men are also at risk. Breast cancer can develop in 1 out of every 8 women and 1 out of every 1,000 men throughout their lifetime.”

Medical Park Ordu Hospital Medical Oncology Specialist Dr. Neslihan Özyurt made statements regarding breast cancer. Touching upon the symptoms that may be seen in breast cancer, Specialist Dr. Neslihan Özyurt said, “Breast cancer symptoms appear as bloody or clear discharge from the nipple, or a painful or painless lump felt in the breast or armpit. Other symptoms include the nipple pulling inward, sinking or deformity, peeling or crusting of the nipple skin, wounds on the breast skin, redness, or edema, swelling and growth similar to an orange peel appearance, and deformity or asymmetry. When such findings appear, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible.”

SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE IS A FACTOR THAT INCREASES BREAST CANCER RISK

Specialist Dr. Özyurt said the following regarding the risk factors for breast cancer:

“Risk factors for breast cancer include age, race, smoking and alcohol use, a diet high in red meat and saturated fats, a sedentary lifestyle, having a long menstrual period (starting before age 12 and continuing after age 55), never having given birth, or having one's first child after the age of 30. Contrary to popular belief, only 10 percent of cases diagnosed with breast cancer are hereditary. The risk doubles in a person who has a first-degree relative with breast cancer. Having 2 first-degree relatives with the disease triples the risk. Although not definitive, the risk of breast cancer also increases in women whose father or brother has had breast cancer.”

Stating that screening tests are performed to catch cancer at an early stage, Specialist Dr. Özyurt said that the purpose of these screening tests is to diagnose cancer before symptoms appear. Noting that when symptoms appear, the disease is often at an advanced stage, Specialist Dr. Özyurt said, “If detected at early stages, more than 90 percent of patients continue their normal lives. For this reason, October has been designated as ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month’ by the World Health Organization since 2004 to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and breast cancer awareness. In October, educational activities are carried out to increase awareness of the disease, and efforts are made to ensure that people show interest in screening programs. In our country, screening is recommended for women between the ages of 40-69 with a mammogram every two years, and by applying to a doctor for a breast examination once a year starting from the age of 40. If there is a person who has been diagnosed with breast cancer among first-degree relatives, these examinations should begin 5 years before the age at which the relative diagnosed with cancer received their diagnosis.”

Explaining other options that can be applied for early diagnosis, Specialist Dr. Özyurt said, “These are tests such as breast ultrasonography, breast MRI when necessary, and blood tests. After a lump is detected in the breast, a diagnosis is made through pathological examination of a biopsy taken from the area. Treatment decisions are made after the disease is staged using systemic imaging methods. In the treatment of breast cancer, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapies, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies are applied according to the stage the patient has.”

Offering recommendations to protect against breast cancer, Medical Park Ordu Hospital Medical Oncology Specialist Dr. Neslihan Özyurt said, “Weight control, a balanced and healthy diet, and especially quitting smoking are very important.”