Prof. Dr. Işıl Somalı, Internal Diseases and Medical Oncologist at Private Egepol Hospital said that early diagnosis and treatment save lives in breast cancer, which is the most common type of cancer among women.
Stating that breast cancer is more common in women in the menopausal period, its incidence is now increasing in the 20s. Dr. Işıl Somalı stated that the disease occurs due to genetic factors, environmental factors and obesity. Giving information about the disease, Prof. Dr. Somalı said, “Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer observed among women in our country as well as all over the world. The disease may manifest itself with symptoms such as swelling in the breast, deformity, redness, orange peel appearance and pain. The most common method of detection is by manually checking one’s own breast. Due to the awareness of young patients, it can now be detected earlier. In such a case, it is necessary to see a specialist doctor without wasting time and be examined.
If it’s in the family, watch out!
Expressing that family history is important in the disease, Prof. Dr. Işıl Somalı said, “Every woman from the age of 40 should have a mammogram once a year. If the person’s relatives, such as his mother, brother or aunt, have previously had this disease, the risk increases more. For this reason, it is necessary to follow up with manual examination and mammography from the age of 20. In some groups, breast MRI may also be required.”
Individualized treatment is applied
Noting that a personalized process is followed in the treatment of the disease, Prof. Dr. Işıl Somalı continued, “After the diagnosis of the mass, it should be surgically removed and the lymph nodes next to the mass should be removed. If lymph node involvement is observed, it is possible to remove axillary lymph nodes. Depending on the type of tumor determined as a result of the pathology of the patient, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy and rational drug therapy can also be applied. Because some tumors are larger, the tumor is shrunk with chemotherapy treatment before surgery. Radiotherapy can also be applied against the possibility of recurrence of breast cancer. With the developing technology in breast cancer, the patient can be discharged 1 day later or even on the same day. Early treatment increases the chances of success.”
