She Beat Breast Cancer with Early Diagnosis and Now Brings Hope to Other Women

08.10.2025
The treatment process led by Prof. Dr. Gamze Gököz Doğu, Faculty Member of the Department of Medical Oncology at Pamukkale University (PAU) Hospitals, has become a true success story in 41-year-old Ayşegül Günbal’s battle against breast cancer.

Prof. Dr. Doğu shared details about the patient’s treatment:
“Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers both globally and in our country. The encouraging news is that in cases detected at an early stage, treatment success rates are very high. When Ayşegül applied to us, her disease was in its early stage. Therefore, we started treatment immediately and achieved very successful results after approximately one year. During this period, Ayşegül demonstrated patience, determination, and fighting spirit that were truly exemplary. She acted not only for her own health but also for the women around her, raising awareness about screening. Thanks to her guidance, two more women who came to our hospital were diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and began treatment. This once again demonstrates the critical importance of early detection. Educating our patients and ensuring they do not skip their check-ups is essential. Many of our patients, whom we have followed for 10–20 years, lead healthy lives. The foundation of these successes is regular screening and early diagnosis. We especially recommend women over 40 to have annual mammograms and learn self-examination. Remember: a delayed diagnosis can sometimes cost lives, but early detection can produce life-saving results.”

“I Noticed, I Was Scared, but I Didn’t Give Up”

Patient Ayşegül Günbal shared her experience:
“Before breast cancer happened to me, I didn’t pay much attention to it. One day, I noticed a change in the shape of my breast. At first, I didn’t think much of it, but I felt uneasy, so I went to Pamukkale University Hospital. After examinations, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was shocked and very scared. However, my doctors told me that with early diagnosis, this disease could be treated and the process managed. I underwent a challenging treatment lasting about a year, but in the end, I recovered my health. During this process, I learned many things, the most important being that early diagnosis saves lives. I experienced this disease, but I don’t want other women to go through the same. That’s why I started sharing my experience with women around me. I guided many, especially my sister, to get screened. Some of them were found to have risk factors during screening. Two of my friends were diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and started treatment immediately. Now, they are managing the process just like me. My only goal now is to help more women overcome this disease easily through early detection. My advice to women is: do not neglect self-examination, know your body, and undergo regular screenings every year. Early diagnosis truly saves lives in the fight against cancer.”

Nurgül Dağüstü, who visited the hospital thanks to her sister Ayşegül Günbal, said:
“Honestly, I came to the hospital because of my sister. Her experience affected me greatly. I thought to myself: ‘Why am I not going for check-ups?’ Then I went to Pamukkale University Hospital and had my screenings. Thankfully, nothing adverse was found, but now I am much more careful. I also keep reminding women around me: this is not something to be afraid of. Go and get your tests done, and if there is a possible illness, take preventive measures through early detection. Thanks to my sister, I became aware and now pay much closer attention.”

 

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