Frequently Asked Questions About Cancer Cancer incidence is rising day by day in our country, just as it is worldwide. Cancer ranks second after cardiovascular diseases in terms of life-threatening risk, and patients have many questions about it. Prof. Dr. Bülent Çitgez from the General Surgery Department at Memorial Ataşehir and Auxiliary Hospital answered the most frequently asked questions about cancer on the occasion of "Cancer Week, 1-7 April".

1. What should I do to detect cancer early?

Every cancer presents different symptoms. The signs that emerge vary depending on the organ where the cancer is located and the organ's function in the body. For example, breast cancer patients may present with a mass in the breast, while colon cancer patients may consult a doctor with complaints of anemia and constipation. Regular health check-ups at specific intervals are vital for early cancer detection. It is also important that routine check-ups are performed according to age and risk group.

2. Do lumps in the breast turn into cancer?

Not every lump in the breast is cancer, and not every lump turns into cancer. However, for rapidly developing and growing lumps, it is important to consult a breast surgery specialist without delay, undergo examination, and have necessary radiological tests performed. As with all cancers, the earlier the diagnosis in breast cancer, the more effective the treatment.

3. Can pets be kept during the treatment process?

There is no harm in keeping pets during cancer treatment, provided that their vaccinations are up to date and hygiene is maintained. In fact, it can be said that the strong emotional bond formed between patients and pets positively affects the treatment process.

4. Does infection risk increase during treatment? What precautions should be taken?

Particularly during chemotherapy treatment, the immune system can be suppressed depending on the medications received. Therefore, patients inevitably become exposed to infectious agents. During this period, especially in winter months, it is important to avoid crowds and wear a mask. In summer months, one should avoid midday sun exposure.

5. Does cancer treatment reduce the likelihood of having children in young patients?

Chemotherapy, particularly in young women, reduces egg reserve, thus decreasing the chances of pregnancy, but this does not mean these patients cannot have children. The risk of not having children is greater in patients close to menopause. During the treatment process, measures such as egg retrieval and freezing can be taken to increase the likelihood of having children. Through these methods, patients' chances of pregnancy increase after treatment completion using in vitro fertilization.

6. Does pain from a lump in the breast indicate malignancy?

Not every lump in the breast causes pain. Cystic lesions in the breast and mastitis, or breast inflammation, can be sources of pain. However, when a lump is detected in the breast, examination and radiological evaluation are necessary regardless of whether pain is present.

7. Can cancer treatment patients travel outside the province or go on trips?

Whether a patient can travel during the treatment period depends on the stage of the disease and the suitability of the person's immune system. If the patient's immune system is suitable, there is no harm in traveling.

8. Is it risky to become pregnant during or after chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy can be administered during pregnancy. However, it is particularly not recommended to become pregnant immediately after completing breast cancer treatment. Hormonal increases during pregnancy can trigger breast cancer.

9. What should be considered regarding diet during cancer treatment?

In fact, nutrition does not rank at the forefront in cancer treatment and etiology. However, one should avoid ready-made and packaged foods, foods containing preservatives, smoked, cured, and burnt foods. Natural, seasonal foods should be consumed as much as possible. Consuming whatever foods are most suitable and abundant in season is the most correct approach. Examples include eating tomatoes and watermelon in summer and oranges in winter.

10. Should breast cancer patients avoid soy products? Should we check whether every product we buy contains soy?

Soy and soy products have estrogenic effects. For this reason, it is beneficial to avoid foods containing soy and soy products, especially in patients with risk factors and/or those undergoing breast cancer treatment.