What Do We Need to Know About Breast Cancer?

Another type of cancer that starts in breast cells and is more likely to be encountered in the world after lung cancer is breast cancer. According to current studies, one out of every 10 women is more likely to develop this cancer. In this article, we will explain the definition, risks and treatment methods of breast cancer in general.

Breast cancer is also seen in men, but it is much more common in women. The incidence of breast cancer has increased since about 50 years ago. Early diagnosis is very important for this disease. Ninety-six percent of the patient can be cured if diagnosed early. That's why the best preventive measure of breast cancer is early detection.

Breast cancer occurs in many types. The most common of these types is the type that starts in the milk ducts of the breast and spreads to the armpit. The risk factors in women who develop this cancer are not very clear. In this respect, we can talk about many factors that increase the risk of breast cancer; We can list them as developing cancer in the other breast before, starting menstruation early, not getting pregnant, and having breast cancer in relatives of those who continue to menstruate until late ages. Early diagnosis methods also vary according to these risk factors.

According to studies, it is seen that each case is different from each other in breast cancer, which is a complex disease. The stages of breast cancer are very important for the doctor's treatment plan.

People get this disease even if they don't do anything wrong in their life. This cancer is not contagious and is not caused by stress. It has not been observed to occur as a result of a blow to the breast. In line with the researches, only some genes that make up breast cancer have been identified.

Diagnosis in Breast Cancer

The most important factor in the diagnosis of the disease is age. This type of cancer is also seen in young people, but because the risk increases in the elderly, doctors evaluate the age factor first. Young women should examine themselves every month and if they encounter lump-like things, they should go to the doctor. Women over the age of 40 should periodically perform their own examinations, as well as go to a doctor's control every year and have a mammogram once a year. If during self-examination, palpable hardness, thickening, swelling, discoloration, wound, redness, and inward collapse of the nipple are observed, an immediate doctor's control is required. For definitive diagnosis, mammography, biopsy and ultrasound procedures are performed and the result is explained. The fight against breast cancer is so important. The pink ribbon icon was created for the fight against breast cancer.

Stages of Breast Cancer

There are seven known stages of breast cancer. These; They are named 1,2A, 2B, 2, 3A, 3B, and 4. First of all, the tumor is small and has not spread anywhere, especially to the lymph nodes. Then the lymph nodes are removed, the cancerous breast is also removed and the armpit lymph nodes are removed. Although it has not spread to the lymph nodes in the first few stages, the tumor has spread to the enlarged lymph nodes in other stages and chemotherapy and radiation therapy are started. In the later stages, surgical operation is performed and hormone therapy continues. Chemotherapy is used to reduce tumor size. In the last stage, the tumor has spread outside the breast and it is aimed to increase the quality of life of the patient, chemotherapy, mastectomy and other treatments continue. Plastic surgery may be recommended instead of the breast removed after mastectomy.

Breast cancer is a serious disease but can be prevented with early detection. The fight against breast cancer is important. In our article, general information about this disease will be very useful for women.