Early diagnosis of breast cancer is important

Warning from CIU Academician: "Do not neglect breast cancer screening"

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Şükrü Aktan, lecturer in the Faculty of Medicine of Cyprus International University (CIU) reminded that breast cancer is listed as the second cause of death among women after lung cancer; he stated that it is the type of cancer that occurs in every country of the world, but early diagnosis results in a  gradual decrease in the loss of lives.

Pointing out that women are likely to develop breast cancer at almost any age after 30, Aktan said, "Therefore, it is important for physicians and women to adopt the principle of "BREAST AWARENESS" after a certain age and to have annual examinations and radiological imaging specific to certain ages."

Aktan stated that breast cancer is more common in women than in men, and said, "The reason why it is so common in females is based  on the fact that female's breasts usually contain more glandular tissue than that of the males.”
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Mentioning that there are some risk factors for breast cancer, Aktan said, "Findings show that women who have never given birth, never breastfed, who have had their first pregnancy at or over 35, have had a long-term use of birth control medications, have smoked cigarette, consumed alcohol and especially processed foods, used deodorants containing ingredients such as paraben and aluminum are at high risk." 

Aktan also pointed out that it is not possible to lower the risk of breast cancer, but emphasized that it is important to consider some factors that can help with the early diagnosis.

Noting that today's medical technology and treatments have advanced a lot, Aktan underlined that the mortality rate of this disease has seriously declined thanks to the latest developments in the field of surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy and smart drugs for cancer treatment.

Aktan stated that it is of great importance for women to perform  a breast self-examination, and said that every woman should do self-checks every month.

Sharing the information that women between the ages of 30 and 40 can have an ultrasound scan between the seventh and tenth days of their menstrual cycle, Aktan reminded that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that women after the age of 40 should have regular ultrasound scan and mammography screening.