What is Screening for Breast Cancer?
Screening refers to the detection of a common disease in the society with simple tests or examinations before any complaints develop. The purpose of screening for breast cancer is to detect cancer at an early stage and prevent cancer-related death.
Screening for breast cancer consists of breast self-examination, clinical breast examination by a physician, and imaging with mammography. Breast cancer screening programs are carried out separately for people with standard risk and those with high risk factors. Recommended screening times in our country are as follows;
Self-Examination; Every woman should do it after the age of 20,
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If she is menstruating, the screening period after menstruation should be done. 5-7. between days
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In menopause, on a fixed calendar day of each month,
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After breast milk is emptied following breastfeeding in breastfeeding women,
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For women using birth control pills, it should be done the day before starting each new pill box.
This examination method is done in bed, in front of the mirror. It can be applied lying down or in the shower. The aim here is to get to know one's own breast tissue better and to recognize any changes that may occur in the breasts early.
Clinical Breast Examination; It is a breast examination performed by a physician. Depending on the person's risk status, it should be performed every 1-3 years between the ages of 20-40, and annually after the age of 40.
Mammography; After age, it is done once a year.
How is Risk Calculation Made for Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a cancer that develops from the tissue of the breast and is affected by both men and women. It may occur in the breast. Its incidence in women ranks first among all cancers and second in cancer-related deaths. Breast cancer constitutes approximately 25% of female cancers.
Today, as with other types of cancer, the exact cause of breast cancer is unknown, but it is known that some risk factors increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Having one risk factor, or even several, means that the person will definitely get cancer. It does not mean that a person will not get cancer, nor does it mean that a person with no risk factors will not get cancer. However, people with risk factors are slightly more likely to get cancer.
There are many risk factors for breast cancer, some of which are changeable risk factors related to lifestyle. Other risk factors (such as age and gender) are risk factors that cannot be changed. Advanced age, genetic factors, family history, breastfeeding, lifestyle, obesity, and nutrition are the factors that determine the risk of breast cancer.
Since breast cancer is a cancer that responds very well to treatment, especially when detected in the early stages, these risk factors should be determined and the risk factors determined. Determining the rate is very important for the follow-up and treatment of the disease.
How is Screening Done in Individuals at High Risk of Breast Cancer?
Normally, a woman The lifetime risk of breast cancer is 12%. Various calculation models are used to calculate the risk ratio. If the risk rate is above 20%, this individual falls into the high-risk patient group. Annual mammography and occasional breast MRI scans are recommended for these individuals starting from the age of 30.
High-risk individuals;
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A known BRCA1 or BRCA2 having a gene mutation,
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Having a first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister or child) with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation,
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Having received radiation therapy to the chest area for therapeutic purposes during childhood or adolescence,
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Having certain syndromes or having a first-degree relative with these syndromes (Li-Fraumeni syndrome , Cowden syndrome or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome)
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1. Those with a first-degree relative with pre-menopausal breast cancer; It should be started 10 years before the age at which breast cancer was diagnosed in a first-degree relative (the age of the earliest diagnosed relative). However, they should not be under 25 years of age.
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Those diagnosed with ovarian cancer start with the diagnosis (regardless of age)
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Personal breast cancer
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Some breast lesions; ductal carcinoma insitu (DCIS), lobular carcinoma insitu (LCIS), atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), or atypical lobular hyperplasia zi (ALH)
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