Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Symptoms, Stages, and Treatment
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. At Well Dems Travel Agency, we provide high-quality medical care for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, achieving excellent outcomes. We stand by our patients from diagnosis through to the end of the treatment process, offering the best partnership in the fight against breast cancer. With over 20 years of experience, a team of more than 50 expert health professionals, world-class technological innovations, and a multidisciplinary approach, we are here to help you beat breast cancer.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells begin to grow and multiply uncontrollably. These cells form a tumor, which can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumors are abnormal growths that do not spread outside the breast and are not dangerous. Breast cancer, on the other hand, starts in the ducts or lobules of the breast and has the potential to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.
What Does Breast Cancer Look Like?
It is easier to feel the early signs of breast cancer than to see them. Regular self-examination helps women become familiar with the normal appearance and feel of their breasts, allowing them to quickly notice any changes. Breast cancer often feels like a lump in the breast. However, not every type of breast cancer causes a lump. Additionally, breast lumps are quite common, and most are not cancerous. For example, benign conditions such as breast cysts, fibroadenomas, and adenosis can also cause lumps. Breast cancer tumors feel hard when touched. If you detect a new, hard, and immovable lump, you should definitely consult your doctor.
Causes of Breast Cancer
The exact causes of breast cancer remain unclear. The most significant risk factors are being a woman and aging. Two-thirds of breast cancer patients are women over the age of 50. Inherited genetic mutations account for up to 10% of breast cancer cases. Inherited mutations in tumor suppressor genes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 significantly increase the risk of developing the disease. Women with a family history of breast cancer are two to three times more likely to develop the disease. Today, individuals with a family history of breast cancer can undergo genetic testing to assess their risk and make informed decisions about their health.
Can Men Get Breast Cancer?
Although breast cancer occurs primarily in women, it can also occur in men. Men account for less than 1% of all detected cases. In men, breast cancer develops in the breast tissue, just like in women. Family history, certain genetic disorders, exposure to estrogen or radiation, obesity, and alcohol consumption increase the risk of developing breast cancer in men. It is important to recognize that men can also develop breast cancer. Due to a lack of awareness, men often ignore the early signs of the disease and only seek medical attention in later stages. If detected early, the prognosis and survival rate of male breast cancer are similar to those of female breast cancer.
Early Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Most women do not experience physical symptoms of breast cancer at the time of diagnosis. When the tumor is still small, there are usually no alarming symptoms. This is why regular screenings are crucial for early detection.
Breast Cancer Symptoms
Breast cancer is often associated with a lump in the breast or underarm. However, the following symptoms can also be warning signs:
- Changes in breast size, shape, or texture
- Nipple deformities, retraction, or inversion
- Dimpling of the skin, orange-peel texture, irritation, or redness
- A marble-like area under the skin
- Clear, yellow, or bloody discharge from the nipple
- Breast pain that does not subside after the next menstrual cycle
It is important to consult a doctor if you notice anything unusual, as breast cancer symptoms can vary depending on the person or specific type.
Types of Breast Cancer
Breast cancers can start in different parts of the breast. Approximately 85% of cases originate in the epithelium of the ducts that carry milk to the nipple (ductal carcinoma), and up to 15% start in the glandular tissue of the breast (lobular carcinoma). In rare cases, tumors can form in other tissues of the breast, but these are usually sarcomas or lymphomas and are not considered breast cancer. Initially, the cancerous growth is confined to the duct or lobule, known as in situ or non-invasive breast cancer. Over time, in situ cancers can progress and invade surrounding tissues, becoming invasive breast cancer. Invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common form, accounting for approximately 80% of cases, followed by invasive lobular carcinoma, which accounts for 10-15% of cases. There are also rare types of breast cancer, such as Paget's disease affecting the nipple, phyllodes tumors developing in the connective tissues of the breast, and inflammatory breast cancer, which is very aggressive. Additionally, breast tumors can be classified based on hormone receptor status. About two-thirds of tumors require estrogen or progesterone hormones. These cancer cells have receptors to capture and use these hormones, and these conditions are classified as ER-positive or PR-positive. A tumor that is hormone receptor-negative (HR-negative) will not respond to hormonal therapies. Breast cancers can also be HER2-positive or negative, referring to the levels of a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. High levels trigger cancer growth known as HER2-positive breast cancer. When none of the three receptors are detected, it is triple-negative breast cancer. Accurate testing is essential as each type requires a different treatment. Diagnosing the exact type of breast cancer and determining how much it has spread in the body sets the stage for the treatment strategy and helps doctors provide the best possible care.
Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
The diagnosis of breast cancer usually begins with imaging tests.
Breast Cancer Treatment
Breast cancer treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The most suitable treatment plan for each patient is determined based on the type and stage of cancer.
- Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to destroy cancer cells.
- Hormonal Therapy: Blocking hormones to stop tumor growth in hormone receptor-positive cancers.
- Targeted Therapy: Drugs that specifically target cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: Activating the immune system to fight cancer.
- Radiation Therapy: Using high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.
Breast Cancer Survival Rate
Thanks to medical advancements, breast cancer survival rates are 90% or higher. However, this rate can vary depending on the type, stage, and treatment method of the cancer.
Why Choose Well Dems Travel Agency?
At Well Dems Travel Agency, we adopt a multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer treatment. With our team of experts in general surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, plastic surgery, radiology, pathology, and genetics, and our cutting-edge technological infrastructure, we are highly successful in diagnosing and treating breast cancer.
We are proud to host the Well Dems Senology Research Institute, the first and only breast cancer institute in Turkey approved by the Higher Education Council. This institute contributes to global knowledge in breast cancer research, enabling us to provide the best service to our patients.
We are here to support you throughout the entire process of breast cancer treatment and to offer you the best treatment options.