The month of October has been declared as the ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month’ by the World Health Organization (WHO).

In the framework of this important awareness program, Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital General Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Hakan Erpek emphasized that breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women all around the World. Erpek stated that although this type of cancer can be seen in men too, breast cancer is seen 100 times more in women and therefore this disease is considered to be more specific to women.

Prof. Dr. Hakan Erpek explained that in the recent years there is a reduction in problems related to the removal of lymph nodes within breast and armpits, treatment related problems and there is also a 100% chance of treatment, especially for patients diagnosed at an early stage, with the support of surgical technical changes, developments in chemotherapy and radiotherapy applications. Erpek also said that new information and tests in cancer genetics allows to closely monitor high-risk cases or preventive treatments before cancer occurs.

Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital General Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Hakan Erpek listed the causes of breast cancer which can be reduced with life style changes as; obesity, immobility, giving birth at a late period or not giving birth at all, taking birth control pills for a long time, taking hormone therapy after menopause and consuming too much alcohol. Erpek also added that having a menstrual period before the age of 12 and menopause after the age of 50, and also having a first degree relative diagnosed with breast cancer increases the risk of cancer. Prof. Hakan Erpek said that;  ‘ even if  being older than 40  is a feature that increases the risk of cancer, having more than one first degree relative in the family with cancer history under 45 years of age,  in individuals with BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 gene mutation is an element that increases the risk of breast cancer ‘

Referring to the symptoms of breast cancer, Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia General Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Hakan Erpek stated that the most common finding is a breast lump discovered by the individual or physician. If this lump is hard, immobile, and painless and has irregular edges, it is a symptom of cancer, whether accompanied or not with a nipple discharge, noticeable break down of the breast skin, nipple retraction (turning inward), redness or thickening of the breast skin, swelling in the armpit are all the presence of cancer.

Prof. Dr. Hakan Erpek reminded that it is important for women with these risk factors to check themselves for the presence of these findings at least once a month and to visit a physician as soon as possible if they suspect at least one of the symptoms. Erpek underlined that even if there is no symptoms, women over the age of 40 should visit the breast screening centers to undergo a doctor’s control for early diagnosis.

Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital General Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Hakan Erpek completed his statements with the following reminder; “ Even if there isn’t any risk factor which requires a regular follow up, it is recommended for women between the ages of 40-50 to be checked every 2 years and once a year after the age of 50. It is possible to overcome breast cancer with early diagnosis. Early diagnosis is essential for this. For early diagnosis self-check and regular visits to cancer screening centres are also necessary. “