What are the latest data on breast cancer in the world and in our country?
Breast cancer appears as a nightmare for many women. As a matter of fact, the figures published by health organizations also support this nightmare. So much so that one in every eight women in the USA gets breast cancer. That means 12 percent of women are likely to encounter breast cancer at some point in their lives. In Turkey, the figures paint a more optimistic picture. So much so that, while an average of 250 out of every 100 thousand women in European countries are diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the records of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Turkey, this figure is around 45 to 50 in our country. Breast cancer rates seen under the age of 50 are also decreasing significantly in Turkey. However, breast cancer still accounts for 25 percent of all cancer cases in women in our country.
Is it true that one in every eight women will have breast cancer?
This statement is wrong. I think it was detected and caused panic. What is meant here is that one in eight women who live to the age of 80 will get breast cancer at some point in their lives.
Do you think the impact of breast cancer awareness month is sufficient?
By raising awareness of a cancer that is so common among women, society has been able to draw attention to this cancer. It has been shown that treatment of breast cancer is possible after adequate precautions and early diagnosis are provided. In this way, it is aimed to reduce the death rates.
Who is at greater risk of breast cancer?
At least one first-degree relative (under the age of 50) has breast cancer. Having been diagnosed with cancer or ovarian cancer. A gene change that predisposes to breast cancer has previously been detected in oneself or in a first-degree relative. Classic risk factors include never giving birth or having your first birth after the age of 35, starting menstruation before the age of 11, entering menopause after the age of 55, not breastfeeding at all or breastfeeding less, engaging in low physical activity, being obese, and consuming alcohol regularly.
How can we reduce the risk of breast cancer?
The important thing here is to determine personal risk factors and respond accordingly. The necessary precautions are taken. A risk analysis should be performed for every woman of childbearing age and an approach should be developed accordingly. Screening should be increased especially in high-risk women and genetic counseling should be provided. For early diagnosis, every woman after the age of 20 should examine herself once a month, go for a doctor's examination every one to three years depending on personal risk factors, and have an annual mammogram after the age of 40. For the prevention of breast cancer and early diagnosis, every woman should contact a center that performs risk analysis to determine her risk factors, have her family tree removed if she has a family history, and plan her subsequent follow-ups accordingly. He should do regular physical exercise and keep his weight within normal limits. Because it is known that excess weight increases breast cancer by 25 to 33 percent. Unnecessary hormone use should be avoided. It is thought that approximately one-third of breast cancer cases can be prevented with small changes in lifestyle.
Who should have gene tests?
Gene tests should be performed on selected patients who are at risk. This is an expensive test and does not provide meaningful information about the disease when applied to people who do not need it. It can be applied to women who have breast cancer in their first-degree relatives or under the age of 50. In case of a positive result, the doctor and the patient must decide together what to do. Possibility of detecting mutation in BRCA (BReast CAncer) genes; The risk increases if there are people in the family who have had breast, ovarian, pancreatic, colon and thyroid cancer, and if there are men with breast cancer. When it is decided to perform gene testing, a group of genes other than BRCA are also examined. If the results are positive, it can be interpreted that there is a high probability of breast cancer.
What is the role of plastic surgery in this treatment process?
Plastic surgeons inform the patient about the methods and results before the mastectomy procedure. Our aim is to reconstruct the patient's partially or completely removed breast tissue. It is every woman's natural right to have beautiful breasts. In this case, it is important to cooperate and exchange ideas with general surgeons. li. Real success is achieved by working in harmony. It is performed with the help of either the patient's own tissues (along with muscle and skin tissues) or silicone prostheses. Which method will be used is determined by the condition of the patient's tissues and the preferences of the patient and the surgeon. In today's conditions, it is possible to regain a beautiful breast. Generally, the procedure is supported by a second fat injection approximately six months later. In this way, more natural looking breasts can be obtained.
When breast cancer is mentioned, women always come to mind. Isn't there a possibility of it being seen in men?
Breast cancer cases in men are out of the total number. It constitutes only 1 percent. The lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is 12 percent for women and one in a thousand for men. However, since it is an unexpected situation, it is ignored and noticed late. This situation has dangerous consequences for men.
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