Don't be afraid of breast cancer, let's talk about it!

Many of us are afraid when we hear the word “cancer.” That’s very normal. However, it’s not a good idea to not talk about such important things or not try to learn about them because of that fear. Breast cancer is a topic that you should definitely be aware of, especially as a woman.

Simply put, what is breast cancer?

Our bodies are made up of billions of tiny cells. These cells divide, grow, and eventually die. That is a normal process. However, in breast cancer, some cells in the breast begin to divide uncontrollably and more rapidly than they should. This abnormally dividing cell group forms a “lump” or “tumor.”

Most often, these cancer cells start in the milk-producing glands (lobules) of the breast or in the ducts that carry milk to the nipple. Although it is initially limited to the breast, if left untreated, these cancer cells can spread to surrounding tissue, to the lymph nodes under the armpit, and from there through the bloodstream to other organs in the body (such as the liver , lungs, brain, and bones). When this happens, we call it ``Metastatic'' cancer.

Be aware of these symptoms!

Often, the first sign of breast cancer is a lump in the breast or armpit. However, sometimes there may be no symptoms at all in the early stages. That's why it's important to do breast self-examinations and get mammograms at your age.

If you have any of the following symptoms, please don't panic and see your doctor as soon as possible.

Why does breast cancer develop? What are the risk factors?

There is no single cause of breast cancer. However, there are several factors that increase the likelihood, or “risk,” of developing the disease. Let’s divide these into two categories.

Things we can't control

• Age: Women over 50 are at higher risk.
• Genes: If someone in your family (especially your mother, sister, or daughter) has had breast cancer, you are at higher risk. In particular, mutations in the genes `(BRCA1)` and `(BRCA2)` significantly increase the risk of breast cancer .
• Personal history: If you have had cancer in one breast before, you are at risk of developing it in the other breast as well.
• Menopause history: Starting menstruation before the age of 12 and experiencing menopause after the age of 55 increase the risk.
• Dense Breasts: If your breasts have more glandular tissue than fat, it may be difficult to detect cancer on a mammogram.

Things we can control

• Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle without exercise increases the risk.
• Overweight or obesity : Weight gain is not good, especially after menopause.
• Alcohol use : Drinking alcohol daily has been proven to increase the risk of breast cancer.
• Having children: Having your first child after age 30, not having children, or not breastfeeding your children can slightly increase your risk.
• Hormone therapy: Talk to your doctor about taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause.

How exactly does the doctor find this?

If you feel a lump or see something suspicious on a mammogram, your doctor will begin the diagnostic process.

1. Physical examination: The doctor will carefully examine your breasts and armpit area.

2. Imaging Tests:

• Mammogram: An X-ray of the breasts. It is very important to detect lumps and other changes.
• Ultrasound Scan: This uses sound waves to create an image of the inside of the breast. This can help determine whether the lump is solid or fluid-filled.
• MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This test is used to obtain clearer, more detailed images, if necessary.

3. Biopsy:

This involves taking a small piece of tissue from the suspicious lump under anesthesia and examining it under a microscope using a very small needle. This can determine exactly whether or not cancer cells are present, and if so, what type of cancer it is.

What are the treatments? There's nothing to worry about!

If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, your doctor and medical team will develop a treatment plan that is best for you. There are now very effective and advanced treatments for breast cancer. The treatment plan depends on factors such as the type of cancer you have, how far it has spread (stage), your age, and your overall health.

The main treatment methods are:

• Surgery: This involves removing the cancerous lump and a small amount of tissue around it (lumpectomy) or removing the entire breast (mastectomy). Now, most often, surgery is performed to remove only the lump, leaving the breast intact.
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to destroy any cancer cells that may remain after surgery.
• Chemotherapy: Drugs are given to kill cancer cells. These are given as pills or injections.
• Hormone Therapy: Some types of cancer are affected by hormones. For such cancers, drugs are given that block the action of those hormones.
• Targeted Therapy: These are the newest treatments. These drugs target specific proteins or genes that help cancer cells grow and stop them from functioning.

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