BREAST CANCER
What is Breast Cancer?
It is the uncontrolled growth of cells in the milk ducts within the breast tissue.
The transformation of cells in the milk ducts from normal to uncontrolled occurs over time. This process takes approximately 10 years on average.
Why Does Breast Cancer Occur? (Risk Factors)
Breast Cancer occurs due to changes at the gene level in the cells of the milk ducts.
Factors That Trigger Change:
- Smoking and Alcohol
- Excess weight and increased fatty tissue
- Early onset of menstruation
- Late menopause
- Use of hormone medications
- Emotional trauma (grief, stress)
Fibrocysts and Fibroadenomas?
They generally do not cause cancer. Fibrocystic structure can be seen in 3 out of every 5 women.
However, in about one in a thousand cases, they can transform and become cancerous, so follow-up is important.
Importance of Screening
Breast Cancer is a disease that can be completely cured when detected early.
Screening Program Goals:
- Learn breast self-examination.
- Have a surgeon examination every year.
- Under 40 years old: Breast Ultrasound.
- Over 40 years old: Mammography.
Treatment Methods
medical_services Surgical Treatment
- Breast-Conserving Surgery: Only the mass is removed if breast volume is sufficient.
- Mastectomy (Breast Removal): If risk is high or volume is insufficient, the breast is removed and can be reconstructed.
vaccines Chemotherapy
Intravenous medication is given in the following situations:
- If there is dimpling, wound, or redness on the breast skin.
- If there is spread to the armpit.
- If high risk is detected in genetic analyses.
radiology Radiotherapy (Radiation Therapy)
Given in the following situations:
- If breast-conserving surgery was performed.
- If spread to armpit lymph nodes.
- If the mass has spread to muscle tissue.
medication Hormone and Targeted Drug Therapy
- Hormone Therapy: Given if hormone receptors are positive. Should never be discontinued without doctor's knowledge.
- Targeted Drugs: Given if HER2 (c-erb B2) is positive.
Follow-up Period
First 2 years: Check-up every 3 months.
After that until 5th year: Check-up every 6 months.
After 5 years: Check-up once a year.
"Life Discipline and Joy of Living are the keys to treatment."