Our Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Asiye Gül gave a statement to Demirören News Agency (DHA) about how the insufficient knowledge about the symptoms and signs of breast cancer causes delays in treatment-seeking among women.
Highlighting the World Health Organization’s report that 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide in 2022, resulting in 670.000 deaths, Prof. Dr. Gül stressed the importance of educating the general population on breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, and early diagnosis methods due to the significant rise in cases.
“Late First Pregnancy, First Menopause Increase Breast Cancer Incidence”
Prof. Dr. Gül explained that regular self-exams, physician-performed physical exams, mammograms and ultrasounds are key screening methods for clinical diagnosis and noted the following words about breast cancer risk factors:
“We can classify breast cancer risk factors as modifiable and non-modifiable. Being a woman is the biggest risk factor. Family history and advanced age also increase the risk. Factors such as late first pregnancy, not breastfeeding, early menstruation, and late menopause increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer.”
“Being a Woman is the Biggest Risk Factor”
She further emphasized the studies that indicate that lifestyle changes, such as promoting a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, moderating alcohol consumption, and maintaining weight control can help reduce the long-term risk of developing breast cancer. “Knowing the risk factors is a crucial aspect of increasing breast cancer awareness among women and consequently augmenting participation in screening programs. Insufficient knowledge can lead to delayed diagnosis and shortened life expectancy,” said Prof. Dr. Gül.
“Awareness-Raising Initiatives Are Essential”
Prof. Dr. Asiye. Gül also drew attention to how awareness campaigns like Breast Cancer Awareness Month aid in prevention and early detention, and highlighted the importance of spreading information about the risk factors with health campaigns. “Many studies shows that the level of cancer awareness is significantly linked to the early diagnosis of breast cancer. Therefore, comprehensive awareness-raising programs focusing on breast cancer symptoms and screening methods need to be implemented.”
“Genetic Counselling is Important in Breast Cancer”
Prof. Dr. Gül noted that approximately 5-10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary, primarily stemming from mutations in specific genes passed down from parent to child. “For individuals with a family history of breast cancer, seeking genetic counselling and undergoing the necessary tests for personal risk analysis are important steps. Women with a family history of breast cancer are often more compliant with screening methods,” she added.
