BREAST CANCER
Breast cancer accounts for 33% of all cancers in women. Breast cancer occurs when some breast cells begin to grow abnormally. One in every 10 women can develop breast cancer in their lifetime. As with other cancer types, the exact cause of breast cancer is unknown. However, factors such as genetic, early menarche, late menopause, obesity, breastfeeding, long-term hormone therapy or gene mutations (BRCA-1, BRCA-2, etc.) can affect the disease. Breast cancer most often (80%) begins with cells in the milk-producing ducts (invasive ductal carcinoma). Secondly, it can begin in the glandular tissue called lobules (invasive lobular carcinoma) (20%).
These cancer cells divide rapidly than healthy cells and continue to accumulate, forming a lump or mass. Just like in any other cancer, cells may spread through your breast to lymph nodes or to other parts of your body. The aim of the diagnosis and treatment is to detect cancer at an early stage before it spreads to other body parts.
In rare instances (1%), breast cancer can also affect men. Women are more likely to develop breast cancer than men. Although it is most commonly seen in women between the ages of 50 to 70, it is important to know that it can occur at any age after menarche. If your mother, sister or daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer, your risk of developing breast cancer is increased by 3 times. Therefore, women with a family history of breast cancer should go to check-ups regularly.
Most important symptoms of breast cancer usually appear as a thickened tissue area in the breast or a lump in the breast or an armpit. Other symptoms include painless lump, a sunken or inverted nipple, and discharge from a nipple (with or without blood). It is important to know that not every lump mean cancer. In the age of 30s, fibrocystic or fibroadenomatoid changes are common due to hormonal changes. These lesions are considered as benign.
The most important step in diagnosis is examination. Patients can easily self-examine their breasts. Also, women aged 30-35 should have their first ultrasound examination even if they do not have any complaints. After the age of 40-45, mammography should be performed. Regardless the stage of breast cancer, the first treatment option is surgery. In patients with stage=0, post-operative chemotherapy is often not required, but radiotherapy should be considered. There are different surgical treatment options such as mastectomy (removal of all breast tissue) and removing a limited number of lymph nodes. A team of doctors including general surgeon, nuclear medicine specialist and medical oncologist determine the appropriate treatment for the patient.
Daily exercise is important to prevent the risk of breast cancer. Especially walking for at least 1 or 2 hours a day can be beneficial. Prolonged breastfeeding appears to reduce the chance of developing breast cancer. While, using oral contraceptives (birth control pills) may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer.
