Comprehensive Guide to Breast Cancer: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Breast Cancer: Comprehensive Guide to Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Breast cancer is the most common cancer type among women worldwide and can rarely occur in men. This cancer type, which begins with abnormal and uncontrolled growth of breast cells, can be successfully controlled and treated with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment methods. Having knowledge about breast cancer, learning risk factors, and implementing preventive measures will help you maintain a more conscious and healthy lifestyle against this disease. In this article we have prepared for you, we will try to answer all questions about breast cancer.

What Causes Breast Cancer?

Although the exact cause of breast cancer is unknown, it is thought to occur due to the effects of genetic and environmental factors. The presence of certain genetic mutations, genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 that increase breast cancer risk, a family history of breast cancer, and the environmental conditions where the person lives are effective in the development of this disease. Additionally, hormonal changes, age, postmenopausal period, and radiation are also factors that can lead to breast cancer development.

What Are Breast Cancer Risk Factors?

Breast cancer risk factors vary from person to person, and while some can be controlled, others cannot. Some of the breast cancer risk factors can be explained as follows:

• Breast cancer risk increases as age advances.

• Women are at higher risk compared to men.

• Risk increases in people with a family history of breast cancer.

• Gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 increase risk.

• Starting menstruation at an early age and entering menopause late increase risk.

• Use of hormone replacement therapy and birth control pills may affect risk.

• Alcohol and tobacco consumption can increase breast cancer risk.

• Low physical activity and excessive weight are risk factors.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Breast Cancer?

The following measures can be taken to prevent breast cancer:

• Increase your physical activity level by exercising regularly.

• Eat healthy and balanced, paying attention to fruit and vegetable consumption.

• Reduce or stop alcohol and tobacco use.

• Use hormone therapies and birth control pills under medical supervision.

• Considering family history and genetic factors, have regular check-ups under medical supervision.

• Contribute to breast cancer awareness by informing people around you.

Remember that early diagnosis is the most important factor in fighting breast cancer. Therefore, you can protect your health through regular doctor check-ups and self-breast examination and maintain a more conscious life against breast cancer.

What Are the Types of Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that begins in breast tissue and is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. Breast cancer types are classified according to where they begin and the characteristics of cancer cells. Breast cancer types can be explained as follows:

• Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS): DCIS, which is the earliest stage of breast cancer, is a cancer type that begins in breast ducts and remains confined within the duct. Treatment is quite successful when diagnosed early.

• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): IDC, which constitutes approximately 80% of breast cancers, is a cancer type that begins in breast ducts and can spread to surrounding tissues.

• Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): ILC, which constitutes approximately 10% of breast cancers, is a cancer type that begins in milk-producing glands (lobules) and can spread to surrounding tissues.

• Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Inflammatory breast cancer, a rare and aggressively progressing breast cancer type, presents with symptoms such as redness, swelling, and increased warmth in the breast.

• Paget's Disease: A rare breast cancer type that affects the skin and breast tissue around the nipple. It usually presents with symptoms such as redness, crusting, and itching around the nipple area.

What Are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer symptoms may vary depending on the cancer type and stage. Some symptoms of breast cancer are as follows:

• A palpable mass or swelling in breast tissue,

• Changes in breast shape or size,

• Inversion, inward pulling, or deformation of the nipple,

• Discharge from the nipple (bloody or clear),

• Redness, crusting, or peeling around the nipple area,

• Dimpling of breast skin, orange peel appearance,

• Pain in the breast or armpit,

• Redness, swelling, and increased warmth in the breast skin (inflammatory breast cancer symptoms),

How Is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

There are various methods used for breast cancer diagnosis. Some methods used for breast cancer diagnosis include:

• Physical Examination,

• Mammography,

• Ultrasonography,

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI),

• Biopsy,

• Pathological Examination,

How Often Should Breast Screening Be Performed?

Breast screening is an important health service that helps in early diagnosis of breast cancer. The frequency of breast screening varies depending on various factors such as age, genetic factors, and personal risks. However, there are some generally accepted recommendations:

Women aged 20-39 should have clinical breast examination every three years. This examination involves the doctor manually checking the breast and underarm areas. Additionally, women in this age group are advised to perform self-breast examination and monitor changes in their breasts monthly.

For women aged 40 and above, annual clinical breast examination and mammography are recommended. Mammography is a low-dose radiation technique that takes X-ray images of the breast. This screening method can help detect small and early-stage cancers.

For particularly high-risk women, more frequent screening and additional imaging methods (such as magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound) may be recommended. High-risk individuals include those with genetic mutations (for example, BRCA1 or BRCA2), family history, or women who have previously received radiation therapy.

Talk to your doctor about breast screening frequency to determine the most appropriate plan for you.

Breast Cancer Stages

Breast cancer stages help determine how much the cancer has spread and what treatment options are available. The stages are as follows:

Stage 0: Cancer is found only in the milk glands or ducts within breast tissue and has not spread to surrounding tissues. This is called "in situ."

Stage 1: Cancer is confined to the breast and the tumor is smaller than 2 centimeters (cm). Cancer cells have not spread to lymph nodes or have spread minimally.

Stage 2: Cancer is confined to the breast and the tumor is between 2-5 cm. Cancer cells may have spread to lymph nodes.

Stage 3: Cancer is confined to the breast but the tumor is larger than 5 cm. Cancer cells have spread to lymph nodes and accumulated in the armpit area.

Stage 4: Cancer has spread to other organs and body areas. This is called "metastatic" and treatment options are more limited.

How Is Breast Cancer Treated?

Breast cancer treatment varies depending on the stage and type of cancer, the patient's general health, and preferences. Treatment options may include:

• Surgery,

• Radiation therapy,

• Chemotherapy,

• Hormone therapy,

• Targeted therapy,

Breast cancer treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach and typically involves multiple treatment methods. The treatment plan and process are determined based on the patient's condition and the doctor's recommendations.

Breast Cancer Treatment Costs in Turkey

Turkey has succeeded in gaining international recognition through its investments and efforts in the healthcare field. Particularly, the latest technological devices used in diagnostic and treatment procedures have brought hope for many diseases. Furthermore, there has been an increase in medical tourism coming to Turkey.

• Hospitals being large, clean, spacious, and fully equipped with technological devices,

• Turkish doctors being expert, successful, and talented in their fields,

• Nurses and caregivers being friendly and compassionate,

• Questions being answered quickly and accurately,

• All personnel, including the intermediary company caring for the patient, being patient and understanding,

• Turkey offering vacation opportunities with natural and historical attractions,

• Easy accessibility,

• Affordable prices for diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, food, beverages, clothing, and vacation needs,

These are among the reasons for preference. Regarding Breast Cancer Treatment Costs in Turkey, we can see that patients and their relatives who want to come to Turkey conduct research. However, at this stage, it would not be appropriate to provide a definite price. Many factors such as the type and stage of the disease, diagnostic process, treatment process, and duration of stay in Turkey affect pricing. If you wish to obtain more detailed price information, you can contact us. Additionally, if you come to Turkey for treatment through our intermediation, we can facilitate your visa application process by sending an invitation letter to the consulate on your behalf.