As is the case worldwide, October is recognized as "Breast Cancer Awareness Month" in Turkey. Every year, public institutions, civil society organizations, academics, and media outlets collaborate to organize events to raise public awareness.
The aim of these studies is to inform the public about the risk factors that cause breast cancer.
to inform and encourage regular screenings to be performed on time for early diagnosis.
Basic Information About Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the world and in our country. It is usually
It begins in the milk-secreting glands (lobules) or milk-carrying ducts (ducts) of the breast. Less commonly, it can develop in the fat or connective tissue within the breast tissue.
Dünya Sağlık Örgütü Uluslararası Kanser Araştırmaları Ajansı verilerine göre her yıl yaklaşık 2,3 milyon kadına meme kanseri teşhisi konmaktadır. Bu hastalık, kadınlarda yeni tanı konulan tüm kanserlerin %23,8’ini oluşturarak birinci sırada yer almaktadır. Ülkemizde ise yılda yaklaşık 27 bin kadına meme kanseri tanısı konmakta ve her 18 kadından biri, yaşamı boyunca bu hastalığa yakalanma riski taşımaktadır. Bu nedenle meme kanseri, erken teşhis ve bilinçlendirme yoluyla etkili bir şekilde mücadele edilmesi gereken önemli bir halk sağlığı sorunudur.
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
Breast cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages, so screening is very important.
The most common symptom of breast cancer is the feeling of a painless lump (mass) in the breast that grows over time.
In addition, whether or not a palpable mass is present, the following symptoms may be signs of breast cancer:
• Palpable mass in the breast
• Change in shape/size of the breast
• Orange peel appearance on breast skin
• Bloody discharge from the nipple
• Retraction of the nipple or skin,
• Redness and thickening of the breast,
• Inward depression and crusting at the nipple
• Swelling or mass in the armpit or around the collarbone
In the presence of such symptoms, a health institution should be consulted without delay.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Breast cancer may occur as a result of a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors.
Risk factors that cause breast cancer are listed below.
• Using tobacco and tobacco products
• Having never given birth or having given birth late
• Never having breastfed a baby
• Using hormone medication (HRT) for more than two years after menopause
• Leading a sedentary life
• Being overweight or obese
• Drinking alcohol
• Having dense breast tissue
• Early menstruation and late menopause
• Having certain genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2
• Having received radiotherapy to the rib cage area
Many of these risk factors can be reduced by developing healthy lifestyle habits. The risk of breast cancer can be reduced by engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis in Breast Cancer
The most effective strategy in combating breast cancer is to detect the disease in its early stages. Because early-diagnosed cases have a much higher response rate to treatment, this approach stands out as a life-saving measure. With this awareness, our Ministry of Health aims to raise breast cancer awareness and increase early diagnosis rates through nationwide cancer screening programs.
Son yıllarda yapılan çalışmalar ve istatistikler, bu programların etkinliğini açıkça göstermektedir. Ulusal kanser verilerine göre, yeni tanı alan meme kanserlerinin %42,9’u lokalize, yani sadece meme ile sınırlı iken, %12,5’i uzak organlara yayılmış durumdadır. Bu durum, erken tanının ve düzenli taramaların önemini bir kez daha ortaya koymaktadır.
Early Diagnosis and Free Screening Services for Breast Cancer
The most effective strategy in the fight against breast cancer is early diagnosis. Early-diagnosed breast cancer cases have a much higher response rate to treatment. Therefore, as part of the National Cancer Control Program in Turkey, free cancer screenings are provided at primary healthcare facilities through Community Health Centers (TSM), Healthy Life Centers (SHM), Cancer Early Diagnosis, Screening, and Education Centers (KETEM), Family Health Centers (ASM), and Mobile Cancer Screening Vehicles.
National Breast Cancer Screening Standards:
• From the age of 20: Breast self-examination should be done once a month.
• Between the ages of 20-39: Clinical breast examination should be performed every two years.
• Women between the ages of 40 and 69: Should have a clinical breast examination once a year and a mammogram every two years.
What are the Treatment Options for Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer can present differently in each patient. Therefore, a personalized treatment plan is determined based on the patient's age, stage of cancer, genetics, and other health conditions.
Main treatment methods:
• Surgical intervention
• Chemotherapy (drug therapy)
• Radiotherapy (radiation therapy)
• Hormone treatments
• Targeted and immunotherapies
Erken tanı konulan hastalarda sağ kalım oranı %90’a kadar çıkabilmektedir. Bu da tarama ve farkındalık çalışmalarının ne denli önemli olduğunu ortaya koymaktadır.
The most important step in combating breast cancer is to foster a more informed public and encourage women to seek early diagnosis. Awareness campaigns conducted throughout October are crucial for directing women to screening programs and providing information about risk factors.
“"Do your examination and be aware
“Know your breasts, protect your health”
“Be aware, take action”
“Early diagnosis of cancer saves lives”