Breast cancer mostly occurs in the mammary glands and milk ducts in the breast tissue. It begins with the uncontrolled growth of one of the cells lining these tissues. Normally, the uncontrolled growth of cells in our body is prevented by the DNA system. As a result of a change (mutation) in the DNA that cannot be repaired, the cell cannot be prevented from dividing, and thus cancer develops.
In the later stages of this uncontrolled growth and proliferation of cancer cells, the spread to the body, called metastasis, occurs. Metastasis is the main reason why cancer is so serious and fatal.
Breast cancer can occur in both female and male breasts, but its incidence in men is much lower than in women. Its incidence in women ranks first among all cancers and second in cancer-related deaths. Breast cancer constitutes approximately 25% of female cancers.
Today, it is not known exactly what causes breast cancer, as in other types of cancer, but it is known that some risk factors increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Advanced age, genetic factors, family history, breastfeeding, lifestyle, obesity, and nutrition are the factors that determine the risk of breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Awareness
Breast cancer is the first among the cancer types seen in women. It ranks 2nd in cancer-related deaths. One in every 8 women has a lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. The incidence of this cancer is increasing in the world and in our country. The most important way to reduce these cancer-related deaths is to raise awareness and catch cancer at an early stage and treat it.
Awareness in breast cancer is to raise awareness of individuals with risk factors, in addition to treatment, to apply more intensive follow-up and to reduce the risk factors that increase the development of these tumors.
Especially since age is the most important risk factor, it is important to subject all women after the age of 40 to screening programs, regardless of other risk factors.
The most important step in breast cancer awareness is screening. The purpose of screening is to detect cancer at an early stage and prevent cancer-related death.
Screening for breast cancer, breast self-examination, doctor It consists of clinical breast examination and mammography imaging performed by IM. Breast cancer screening program is carried out separately for people with standard risk and people with high risk factors.
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