Prof. Dr. Akkoyunlu stated:
“According to World Health Organization data, one in eight women is at risk of breast cancer. This clearly shows the seriousness of the situation we are facing. The key point we emphasize is that early detection is vital. When breast cancer is identified at an early stage, treatment success rates are much higher, and patients’ quality of life can be preserved. We particularly recommend that women over 40 undergo regular mammography. The earlier we achieve a diagnosis, the more people in the community can benefit from early treatment. Moreover, cases detected very early have a significantly lower risk of recurrence.

This issue is not limited to women. Although less common, breast cancer can also occur in men. Male patients who notice hardness or a suspicious mass in the breast should seek medical examination immediately. Early diagnosis allows us to avoid unnecessary treatment methods, helping patients manage their treatment more comfortably and achieve better long-term outcomes. Using less aggressive treatment methods, we can control the disease, which is a significant advantage both physically and psychologically for patients.”

“Early Diagnosis Protects Not Only Treatment but Also the Future”

Prof. Dr. Gamze Gököz Doğu added:
“Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Although generally considered a disease of older age, we are increasingly encountering it in younger patients. Even individuals without a family history of breast cancer or genetic risk are advised to perform self-examinations and undergo clinical checks from their 20s. From the age of 40, regular mammography screening is essential. Young people sometimes think, ‘I am young, I am healthy,’ and may neglect screenings. However, the earlier we diagnose, the higher the chance of successful treatment and the more positive the outcomes. Early diagnosis also protects patients from unnecessary and intensive treatment processes.

Risk factors for breast cancer include long-term use of contraceptives, extended hormone therapies, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Awareness of these factors is important. With early detection, the treatment process is more comfortable, and intervention can occur before the disease spreads. This significantly increases the chance of a cure. In fact, when breast cancer is caught early, the recovery rate can be close to 100%.”