Eight Effective Measures in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Breast cancer affects one in eight women in our country and also occurs in men. One in one hundred breast cancers is diagnosed in men. Although the number appears low in men, the disease manifests more aggressively. For this reason, it is very important that both women and men take certain precautions against breast cancer. Highlighting that early diagnosis saves lives, Acıbadem University Breast Research Institute Director and Acıbadem Maslak Hospital General Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Cihan Uras states "Early diagnosis increases treatment success to 85 percent. However, it is possible to protect oneself from breast cancer with certain precautions. But even if all precautions are taken, due to genetic factors and many genes we are not yet aware of, we can still encounter breast cancer. Therefore, medical check-ups and screening tests must never be neglected," he says. During a statement made on the occasion of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (1-31 October), Prof. Dr. Cihan Uras shared 8 effective precautions against breast cancer.

Eliminate Smoking and Alcohol From Your Life

Smoking and alcohol consumption are among the main factors that increase risk. Consuming one and a half glasses or more of alcohol daily doubles the breast cancer risk compared to women who do not use alcohol.

Be Cautious With Hormone Medications

Undergoing long-term hormone therapy during menopause increases breast cancer risk, while the increased risk drops to the level of women who do not use hormones five years after stopping hormone therapy. Birth control pills also increase risk when used for 10 years, but the risk decreases after stopping the medication. If hormone use is necessary for you, have your breast evaluated by a breast specialist before starting treatment and remain under medical supervision.

Perform Self-Examination Monthly

The most important factor in early diagnosis of the disease is performing self-examination of your breasts every month. Every woman over 18 years of age should start self-breast examination. This way, you can detect findings that may indicate cancer symptoms such as lumps, swelling, or growth in the breasts.

Undergo Regular Ultrasound and Mammography

General Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Cihan Uras states: "Go for regular physician check-ups once a year. From age 30 onwards, have breast ultrasound performed, and from age 40 onwards, have mammography done regularly once a year. Mammography is the 'gold standard' used in diagnosing the disease. When necessary, more advanced examination methods such as breast MRI are also applied. Women with a family history of breast cancer in first-degree relatives should have BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene tests performed," he says.

Exercise Regularly

Just as regular exercise is an important part of being healthy, it can also control weight and strengthen the body's immune system, thereby reducing breast cancer risk. The American Cancer Society reports that walking for 30 minutes daily is effective in reducing breast cancer risk.

Pay Attention to Weight Control

Excess weight is an established risk factor, particularly for hormone-sensitive types of breast cancer. It has a more negative effect especially for postmenopausal women. It is known that estrogen hormone production, which plays a role in breast cancer development, increases as fat tissue increases. With the loss of fat tissue, breast cancer risk also decreases.

Learn to Manage Stress

Many studies examining the relationship between breast cancer and stress point to the link between stress and cancer. Regular exposure to stress leads to negative changes in body balance and the immune system; while the ability to manage stress is noted to have benefits in reducing cancer risk.

Eat Regularly and Maintain a Balanced Diet

General Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Cihan Uras states: "According to research, women consuming a balanced, low-fat diet with adequate daily intake of vegetables, fruits, and grains have been found to have lower rates of breast cancer compared to other women. Positive changes in eating habits, with Mediterranean-style nutrition gaining importance," he says.