Prof. Dr. Statement from Ramazan Acar on Breast Cancer

Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Ramazan Acar made evaluations within the scope of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Prof. Dr. Stating that early diagnosis and timely treatment play an important role in reducing losses due to the disease, Acar said: "Family history is important in risk assessment, but it is not the only determinant. The World Health Organization reports that approximately 80 percent of breast cancers occur in people who do not have any specific risk factors other than being a woman and age. Therefore, the thought 'There is no breast cancer in my family, I do not need to have a check-up' is not correct. Advancing age, some hereditary gene changes, obesity, alcohol use and post-menopausal hormone treatments can increase the risk. Risk assessment can increase the risk of a person's health." "It should be done by considering the family history together," he said.

'A PAINLESS MASS SHOULD ALSO BE EVALUATED'

Prof. Dr. Regarding the changes that should be taken into consideration in breast cancer, Acar said, "A newly developing mass or hardness in the breast or armpit, change in the shape or size of the breast, skin collapse and orange peel appearance, nipple retraction or spontaneous discharge should be evaluated by a physician. The fact that the mass is painless does not mean that it is unimportant. Not every change is cancer, but the cause must be determined. In the national breast cancer screening program of the Ministry of Health, free mammography is performed every two years for women between the ages of 40 and 69. Screening is performed in people who do not have any symptoms of the disease yet." It aims at early detection. Screening and diagnostic evaluation due to a symptom are different from each other. Anyone who notices a new change in their breast should consult a physician, regardless of their age or last mammography date. For women with a family history or hereditary predisposition, the age at which screening should be started, the methods to be used and follow-up intervals should be determined by expert evaluation.

'TREATMENT PLAN IS PREPARED ACCORDING TO THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DISEASE'

Prof. said that examination and appropriate imaging methods were used during the diagnosis process, and in case of suspicious findings, the tissue taken by biopsy was examined. Dr. Acar said, "In addition to confirming the diagnosis, biopsy also enables the determination of the biological characteristics of the tumor. This information is guiding in the preparation of the treatment plan. The treatment is not the same in every patient. The stage of the disease, the characteristics of the tumor and the general health status of the person are evaluated together. Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone treatments and targeted drugs can be included in the treatment plan in suitable patients. The process is carried out by the joint evaluation of the relevant specialties. It is important to notice the changes in breast health and ensure timely evaluation, as well as to participate in the appropriate screening program even when there are no complaints. "Awareness should turn into a health habit in which check-ups are not postponed," he said.