Expert Assoc. Dr. Erkan Öztürk stated that breast cancer is seen in women in Turkey at a younger age than their counterparts in developed countries. Öztürk said that the prevalence of breast cancer in the USA and European countries is in the 60s, while in Turkey it is in the 45-49 age group, and emphasized the importance of screening programs and early diagnosis.
Breast tissue development completes the breastfeeding period
"Breast tissue completes its full development only during the breastfeeding period. Breast development is more advanced in women who become mothers after the age of 30 and who breastfeed." "The risk of cancer is higher because it is completed at a younger age. This situation emerges as a problem in developed societies due to the increasing age of the mother."
Referring to the use of birth control pills and injections and medication during menopause as another changeable factor, Öztürk said, "The increase in the risk of breast cancer disappears 10 years after the use of birth control pills is stopped, while the risk of birth control drugs in the form of needles disappears after 5 years." "The increase is decreasing," he said. Öztürk said, "Estrogen-containing drugs used to reduce menopause symptoms and treat osteoporosis caused by menopause increase both the risk of breast cancer and the risk of death from breast cancer. Excessive weight after menopause is also a risk factor for breast cancer."
Four components are essential for early diagnosis
Talking about four components for the early diagnosis of breast cancer, Öztürk continued as follows:
"Women should be aware of breast cancer Early diagnosis can only be achieved when breast self-examination, physician examination and screening mammography are combined. Every woman after the age of 20 should examine herself once a month. In this way, by getting to know her body, she can detect any unusual changes early and consult a physician. At certain intervals, high If there is no risk, a physician's examination and mammography are important once a year, especially after the age of 40. Those who have a family history of breast cancer, are at genetic risk of breast cancer, have never given birth and have never breastfed, have a history of using birth control pills, have their first birth after the age of 30. Screening programs with mammography can be started at earlier ages in high-risk women who have had breast cancer screening."
Radiation-related cancer concern... Stating that it reduces the risk of breast cancer by 25-30 percent, Öztürk said, "The issue that patients worry about most during mammography screening is whether the radiation applied during the procedure carries a risk of breast cancer." However, the radiation dose received during mammography is quite low. The probability of radiation-induced cancer in women over the age of 40 is almost non-existent. "The benefit to be achieved with correct and early diagnosis is considerably greater than the risk," he said.
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