One in eight women is at risk: Experts call for mammography

Experts emphasized that the recovery rate for breast cancer, which affects one in every eight women, reaches 90 percent when diagnosed early. As part of "Breast Cancer Awareness Month," Medicana Zincirlikuyu Hospital organized a special event before the Fenerbahçe Medicana - Turkish Airlines Sports Club women's volleyball match to draw attention to the importance of early diagnosis. At the event, held at the Burhan Felek Sports Hall, athletes, healthcare professionals, and participants wore t-shirts that read "Next Stop: Mammography" to raise awareness about breast cancer. Making a statement before the match, Medicana Zincirlikuyu Hospital's Gynecology, Obstetrics, and In Vitro Fertilization Specialist Prof. Dr. Aynur Erşahin stated that the recovery rate for patients with breast cancer diagnosed early is 90 percent, while Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erhan Aktürk stated that it is of great importance for women over the age of 40 to have regular mammograms every two years, even if they have no symptoms.

"Breast cancer is seen in one in eight women"

Prof. Dr. Aynur Erşahin stated that breast cancer affects one in eight women, saying, "It ranks first among women's diseases in our country. Following breast cancer are uterine, ovarian, and cervical cancers. October is breast cancer awareness month. Emphasizing early diagnosis is crucial for early diagnosis. Thanks to this awareness, early diagnosis can lead to a 90 percent recovery rate. Breast cancer affects one in eight women, but the most important point is that the recovery rate can reach up to 90 percent with early diagnosis. Therefore, we recommend early diagnosis to women."

Erşahin stated that avoiding excessively sugary foods reduces the risk of breast cancer, saying, "Manual examination, in particular, is the most important factor in early diagnosis. Additionally, breast ultrasound and mammography are among the other diagnostic methods used during follow-up examinations. Mammography, in particular, is one of the diagnostic methods we recommend for all women over the age of 40. Mammography doesn't hurt, but negligence can cause even greater pain. Therefore, we strongly recommend mammography. Furthermore, eating habits and hormonal imbalances are significant risk factors for breast cancer. Avoiding unnecessary hormone therapy, avoiding hormonal medications, and avoiding fatty and excessively sugary foods are effective in reducing the risk of breast cancer. Early menstruation or late menopause increases the risk of breast cancer. Similarly, having a first child after the age of 30 also increases the risk. Factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and obesity are also significant risks for breast cancer. Therefore, those at risk should be more vigilant. However, even in women with no risk factors, regular examinations are crucial for raising awareness and enabling early diagnosis."

"Every year, 27,000 women in Türkiye are diagnosed with breast cancer."

Obstetrics and Gynaecology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aktürk stated that 27,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in Türkiye, saying, "Every October, various events are held worldwide to raise awareness about breast cancer. Here today, before the Fenerbahçe Medicana-THY Sports Club Women's Volleyball match, we aimed to bring the struggle in sports to women's health and raise awareness about breast cancer and mammography. Looking at breast cancer data, according to the World Health Organization, approximately 2.5 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide each year. This figure is approximately 27,000 women in our country. In other words, 27,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in Türkiye. Breast cancer is a treatable disease when detected in its early stages. However, because it often presents no symptoms in its early stages, diagnosis can be delayed. This is where the importance of mammography becomes evident. If women over 40 have regular mammograms every two years, even if they have no symptoms, breast cancer can be detected in its early stages and it can be completely cured. I want to emphasize one thing here: Early diagnosis. "It saves lives. This is not just a statement; it is a scientific fact. Please don't neglect it; have your mammogram done on time," he said.

UAV

Reporter: News Center