Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. It is seen in one in every 8 women. Every year, more than 1 million new breast cancer cases and nearly 400 related deaths occur in the world. In countries that can implement mammography screening programs as recommended, the death rate from breast cancer has decreased significantly due to early diagnosis.
WHAT IS BREAST CANCER?
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. The most common cause of death in women between the ages of 35-45 is breast cancer. Breast cancer occurs in one in every 10 women. Breast cancer is rarer in men than in women. However, the course is faster and worse in these cases.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BREAST CANCER?
A palpable mass in the breast, swelling, depression in the breast skin (retraction), an orange peel appearance of the breast skin, breast Non-healing wounds resembling eczema on the skin or nipple, bloody discharge from the nipple, collapse of the nipple inward, reduction or shrinkage in the size of the breast, nipples turning inward, outward or upward, palpable swelling in the armpit.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR BREAST CANCER?
Older age (the most common age range is between 45-55 years of age. Its incidence increases with age), breast cancer in the mother under the age of 50 or in both breasts of the mother. Having breast cancer, Never giving birth or having your first birth over the age of 35 (breast cancer is less common in those who give birth under the age of 20), Not being able to breastfeed, Late menopause (over 55), Weight gain that develops in the post-menopausal period, Ovarian or uterine Those with cancer, excessive use of unsaturated fats in nutrition (margarines, etc.). )
Early diagnosis of breast cancer is one of the most important factors affecting life. Thanks to early diagnosis, deaths from breast cancer have halved today, allowing breast protection and a better quality of life.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT METHODS FOR BREAST CANCER?
It is very important for women to be able to examine their own breasts in detecting breast lesions. . It enables breast cancer to be diagnosed at an early stage and therefore the chance of success in treatment increases. Over 40 years old� Pregnant women should have a mammography check-up at least once a year.
Treatment methods for patients diagnosed with breast cancer vary depending on the extent of the cancer. In the treatment of patients presenting in the early stages, the entire breast is not removed, only the tumor part and the healthy tissue around it are removed. If there is spread in the armpit, radiotherapy or chemotherapy is added to the treatment.
The main purpose of breast surgery is to remove the tumor without leaving anything behind and to completely remove the lymph nodes in cases that spread to the armpit.
Remember! Not every lump detected in the breast is cancer. However, changes in the breast should be taken seriously and regular examinations and tests should be performed until proven otherwise.
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