📩 06/10/2023 12:22
VM Medical Park Ankara Hospital General Surgery Specialist Assoc. Dr. Murat Baki Yıldırım made statements about breast cancer.
"Symptoms should not be ignored"
VM Medical Park Ankara Hospital General Surgery Specialist Assoc. Dr. Murat Baki Yıldırım listed the symptoms of breast cancer as follows:
“A change in the size, shape, or appearance of a breast; a breast lump or thickening that feels different from the breast tissue; peeling, flaking, crusting, or shedding of the area of pigmented skin surrounding the areola or breast skin; a newly indented nipple; changes that appear like orange peel-like redness or indentations on the skin over the breast, and indentations on the skin over the breast.”
Underlining that breast cancer risk factors can be any factor that increases the likelihood of developing breast cancer, Assoc. Dr. Murat Baki Yıldırım: “Having one or even more breast cancer risk factors does not automatically mean that you will develop breast cancer. “It is important to remember that many women who develop breast cancer have it with no known risk factors other than being female.” he said.
"Advanced ages may increase the risk"
Breast Assoc. Prof. said that women have a higher risk of breast cancer than men. Dr. Murat Baki Yıldırım listed these factors that increase the risk as follows:
"Be woman. Women are much more likely to develop breast cancer than men. Advancing age. As you get older, your risk of breast cancer increases. A personal history of breast cancer. If you have had breast cancer in one breast, your risk of developing cancer in the other breast increases. Family history. If your mother, sister, or daughter is diagnosed with breast cancer, especially at a young age, it increases your risk of breast cancer. Still, most people diagnosed with breast cancer come with no family history of the disease. Inherited genes that increase the risk of cancer. There are certain gene mutations that increase the risk of breast cancer, which can be passed from parents to children. The best-known gene mutations are called BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes can greatly increase your risk of breast cancer and other cancers, but they do not make cancer inevitable. Having the first child at an older age. Women who give birth to their first child after age 30 may have an increased risk of breast cancer. Late onset of menopause. If your menopause starts late, your chances of developing breast cancer increase. Never having been pregnant. Women who have never been pregnant have a higher risk of breast cancer than women who have had one or more pregnancies. Hormone therapy after menopause. Women who use hormone therapy medications that combine estrogen and progesterone to treat menopause symptoms may have an increased risk of breast cancer. Alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer. Radiation exposure. If you received radiation therapy to your chest during childhood or young adulthood, your risk of breast cancer increases. Early start of menstrual period. Starting your period before age 12 increases your risk of breast cancer. If possible, consume alcohol in limited amounts or not at all. Limit alcohol consumption to one glass or less per day, if you choose to drink. Exercise most days of the week. Aim to exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. When planning postmenopausal hormone therapy, do not act without the advice of general surgeons and gynecologists. Maintain a healthy weight. If your weight is healthy, try to maintain that weight. If you need to lose weight, ask your doctor about healthy strategies to achieve it. Reduce your daily calorie intake and slowly increase your exercise amount. Choose a healthy diet. It has been shown that women who follow the Mediterranean diet, a diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil and mixed nuts, may reduce their risk of breast cancer. The Mediterranean diet focuses mostly on plant foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. Those who follow the Mediterranean diet choose healthy fats such as olive oil instead of butter and fish instead of red meat. Examine your own breast monthly and if you detect any changes, consult your general surgeon as soon as possible. "Do not skip your annual mammography and breast examination."