In Turkey, 25 thousand women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

General Surgery Specialist Dr. Ferhat Erdem Uğraş stated that approximately 2.5 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with breast cancer, with this number reaching 25,000 in Turkey. Dr. Uğraş, who noted that breast cancer ranks first on the list of cancer prevalence in Turkey, drew attention to the increasing number in recent years. He expressed, “Approximately 2.5 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with breast cancer. In Turkey, this number has reached 25,000 women. On average, 25,000 women encounter breast cancer each year. Our imaging capabilities allow us to diagnose masses that are too small to be palpated. The earlier you catch the disease, the easier it is to find a solution. The success rate of treatment for early-diagnosed breast cancer can rise to 95%. The risk of death from early-diagnosed breast cancer decreases significantly. Surgical treatment, chemotherapy, and postoperative radiation therapy significantly reduce the mortality rate from cancer.”

Dr. Uğraş emphasized the need for screening methods for early diagnosis, stating that there are screening programs that can detect even the smallest tumor. He provided information on what checks should be done at which age: “From the age of 20, young women should perform self-breast examinations every month. These checks should be done between the 4th and 10th day of their menstrual cycle, and the armpit should also be checked. In this way, women who know their own structure can notice changes. After the age of 30, they should continue self-examinations while also getting a breast ultrasound once a year. For those over 40, a mammogram should be added to these checks, to be done once a year.”

Dr. Ferhat Erdem Uğraş stated that if there is a suspicious finding as a result of the screenings, a biopsy should be performed for a definitive diagnosis. He noted that some women avoid check-ups due to concerns about what might happen if they find something. He continued, “Fear and anxiety lead to postponing check-ups. But we want to warn that timely check-ups are necessary for early diagnosis. The treatment process is shorter with early diagnosis, and there is no breast loss. In recent years, breast-conserving surgical methods have been used, which involve removing only the cancerous part rather than the entire breast. This way, loss of limbs is avoided. In cases where the entire breast must be removed, breast reconstruction is also an option. In the treatment of breast cancer, many specialists, from surgery to radiation oncology, pathology to radiology, work together to choose the most appropriate method for the patient. New methods are rapidly being developed in treatment. Personalized treatments, along with new methods that include smart drugs, are increasingly improving the treatment success of our patients.