Is It Possible to Prevent Breast Cancer?

Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty and Marmara University Medicine Faculty Breast and Endocrine Surgery Unit academic staff member Asst. Prof. Dr. M. Ümit Uğurlu released a statement regarding breast cancer. The statement is as follows:

Breast cancer is the most common cancer amongst women. In Turkey the number of cases is 40-45 amongst 100.000 women. There have been very encouraging results because of early diagnosis and developments in treatment methods. It is known that patients who are diagnosed early live a longer and higher quality life.

How is breast cancer screening done?

In countries where breast cancer rate is high, screening programs are run as health care policies. In Turkey Early Diagnosis and Screening Education Centers (KETEM) provide mammography screening for high risk women, free of charge. The easiest and cheapest way to diagnose breast cancer early is by a Breast Self Exam (BSE). The BSE aims for women to become more familiar with their breast tissue so that they can notice changes early and go to the nearest health institution for diagnosis and screening. Women who menstruate need to examine themselves each month, regularly between the 7th and 10th day of their menstruation process (accepting the first day as day 0). For women that have entered menopause it is recommended that they examine themselves on a chosen day of each month. Women with menstrual irregularity are recommended to carry out the examination between the 7th and 10th day of each menstruation period.

Today, mammography, mammary ultrasonography and magnetic resonance are used in breast imaging. Women are advised to take a mammography once every two years after the age 40, even if they have no complaints or grievances and don’t carry a high risk. Women under the age of 40 are advised to carry out ultrasonography imaging. If necessary both mammography and ultrasonography might be used.

How is breast cancer treated?

Treatment for breast cancer is specially planed for the individual in councils that provide clinical opinions of different disciplines. The councils where treatment methods and order are decided include a general surgeon, an oncologist, a radiation oncologist, a pathologist, a nuclear medicine specialist and a plastic and reconstructive surgeon. As a result of advancements in reconstructive methods, it is possible to carry out reconstruction by using synthetic implants like silicon implants. Oncologic methods such as chemotherapy, hormonotherapy and radiotherapy are planned specifically for the individual as well as medicine usage. Very good results have been obtained for the last 20 years as a result of a range medical methods and oncological treatments.