Stating that there are new developments in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of breast cancer, General Surgery Specialist said that not every large tumor is a sign of advanced cancer.

Breast cancer is among the most common types of cancer in women. Explaining that this cancer is seen in many different ways, Yeditepe University Kosuyolu Hospital General Surgery Specialist gave important information within the scope of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Stating that not every large tumor can be an advanced stage, our expert said; “Every disease that metastasizes under the armpit is not an advanced stage disease. In fact, some patients with bone metastases should not be considered in advanced stages. Not all large tumors are in advanced stages, and chemotherapy may not be required for every large tumor. There have been significant changes in treatments as we understand the types and behaviors of breast tumors. Therefore, today we can say that we are close to happy days based on the developments in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of breast cancer.”

Saying that one of the most important developments in breast cancer is the changing classification system in the staging of patients, our specialist continued as follows:

“There are many types of breast cancer. Some are large tumors, and some are small tumors similar to stomach cancer. When we check the patients with large tumors according to the TNM classification, the diagnosis can be stage 2. However, when we look at the prognostic scoring system in which the patient is evaluated according to the genetic structure of the patient, age, the treatment to be applied, the suitability of the tumor for this treatment, and the type of surgery to be performed, the result may change. As a result of this scoring system, the disease, which is initially stage 2b, can decrease to stage 1c, 1b, or even 1a.”

Groundbreaking Targeted Therapies

Stating that targeted therapies are at the forefront of breast cancer treatment today in addition to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, our specialist added, “Target-oriented therapies have made a breakthrough in breast cancer. For example, some patients with stage 4 bone metastases can get rid of this disease with target-oriented treatments. Surgery has shrunk and we no longer interfere with the armpit unnecessarily. We remove the mass in the breast and give radiotherapy.

We also perform oncoplastic surgery. Thanks to oncoplastic surgery, much larger tumors can be removed without causing deformity in the appropriate breasts while preserving the breast. Oncoplastic surgery is not just about emptying the breast and making a new breast. On the contrary, oncoplastic surgery is the whole of the perfect methods that can be an alternative to completely removing the breast and making a new breast, in which the patient's own breast and often the nipple are preserved.”

Early-Stage Treatments Are Extremely Successful

Warning people with a family history of breast cancer and who are exposed to certain environmental factors, Yeditepe University Hospitals General Surgery Specialist added, “People with BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are at risk for breast cancer. Smoking, alcohol use, obesity, and diabetes are all risk factors. If one of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes is positive in a person, and if there is a strong family history of breast cancer at a young age, we follow these patients at the age of 25 with examinations twice a year and occasionally with MRI and ultrasound. Patients should know that they should not be afraid of breast cancer anymore. Because there are very good treatments that can be given to everyone from the earliest stage to the most advanced stage. People should not despair. Even in the most advanced stage, the patient can live very healthily for years. A patient with bone metastases can live for 10-15 years or even longer, now. Early treatment is very successful. Since some of these have become very treatable, they should be called systemic disorders rather than advanced stages,”.