Prof. Dr. Doğu stated:
“According to the World Health Organization’s 2021 data, breast cancer has become the most common type of cancer worldwide, accounting for 11.7% of all new cancer diagnoses. It is a disease that develops as a result of uncontrolled cell growth in breast tissue and remains both the most frequently diagnosed and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Since 2004, every October—recognized by its symbolic pink theme—international organizations, NGOs, and academic institutions have conducted campaigns to emphasize early diagnosis, education, and awareness in breast cancer.

The aim of these efforts is to educate people about the risk factors of breast cancer, highlight the importance of regular screenings from appropriate ages, and increase awareness about the need for greater support and research. When breast cancer is detected at an early stage, treatment outcomes are significantly better, and quality of life improves markedly. Through community-based screening programs, it is possible to detect potential cancer development before clinical symptoms appear and to reduce mortality rates related to breast cancer.

Breast cancer is a chronic disease caused by multiple factors. Some risk factors are modifiable lifestyle choices, including physical inactivity, obesity, never having given birth, becoming a mother after the age of 35, not breastfeeding, long-term use of hormone therapy after menopause, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Non-modifiable risk factors include being female (100 times more common in women than in men), aging (particularly after 40), genetic predisposition (mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes), and having a family history of breast cancer among first-degree relatives—which doubles the risk, though about 85% of cases occur in women without such a history, largely due to age-related or spontaneous genetic mutations. Other unchangeable risk factors include having previously been diagnosed with breast cancer, dense breast tissue, certain high-risk lesions, early menstruation (before age 12), late menopause (after age 55), and prior chest radiotherapy.”

Prof. Dr. Doğu also detailed common symptoms of breast cancer:
“The most frequent symptom is a painless lump in the breast that gradually grows over time. Other signs may include swelling in part or all of the breast, breast or nipple pain, inflammation such as itching or burning of the skin, nipple retraction, skin dimpling resembling an orange peel, unilateral nipple discharge (especially bloody discharge), changes in breast shape, or redness, crusting, and thickening of the nipple or breast skin. Although these symptoms may be related to other conditions, any such changes should prompt medical consultation.

Women over 20 should perform monthly breast self-examinations. This involves standing before a mirror to check for symmetry between the breasts and for signs such as dimpling, redness, or swelling. Regular self-examination enables early detection of tumors near the skin or nipple area. A woman familiar with her own body can more easily notice new lumps, retractions, or asymmetries. Suspicious lumps are usually firmer than surrounding tissue (similar to the hardness of a walnut), poorly defined, less mobile, and typically painless. Any woman who detects such changes should immediately consult a physician. In addition to monthly self-exams, women aged 40 and above should undergo a clinical breast examination once a year. If a first-degree relative has been diagnosed with breast cancer, screening should begin five years prior to the relative’s age at diagnosis. In Turkey, according to the National Cancer Screening Standards, mammography is performed every two years for asymptomatic women aged 40–69 as part of early detection efforts.”

Prof. Dr. Doğu concluded:

“We must take strong and courageous steps in the fight against breast cancer—early diagnosis is vital. Thanks to advanced digital mammography and tomotherapy systems available in our center, we are able to provide more comfortable and precise care for our patients. Although breast cancer is one disease, its manifestations vary widely from person to person. Therefore, treatments are tailored individually according to the unique characteristics of each patient’s cancer. The earlier we detect it, the higher our chances of success.”