October is a very valuable month, dedicated to increasing awareness and consciousness against breast cancer, both in our country and all over the world. While the word "cancer" evokes concern for many of us, the most important truth to remember about breast cancer is this: Information, awareness, and early diagnosis are our most powerful weapons in the fight against this disease. When conscious steps and regular health checks replace fear and negligence in this process, breast cancer becomes a treatable disease with a success rate of over 90%. Our goal this awareness month is to encourage every woman to be her own health advocate and to remind them once again of the life-saving steps of early diagnosis.
Awareness against breast cancer primarily begins with knowing your own body. The structure of every woman's breast tissue is different, and knowing what is considered "normal" is the first step to noticing a possible change early. For this reason, it is critically important for every woman from her 20s onwards to perform a monthly self-breast examination. The purpose of this examination is not to look for a disease, but to learn her own normal tissue. However, self-examination alone is not enough and should never replace an expert's check-up. Therefore, a clinical breast examination performed regularly by a General Surgery specialist is an indispensable part of the early diagnosis process. The gold standard for early diagnosis is mammography, which is recommended to be done regularly, especially starting from the age of 40. Mammography offers the chance to catch breast cancer in its earliest stage, with the power to detect even abnormalities too small to be felt by hand. Women with a family history of breast cancer may need to start screening programs at earlier ages, upon the advice of a physician. The common misconception in society, "if it's not in my family, I won't get it," is one of the biggest errors. It should be remembered that family history is absent in approximately 85% of breast cancer cases. This means that every woman is at risk, and regular check-ups are a vital necessity for everyone.
In conclusion, breast cancer is not fate, and the key to the fight is in our hands. Being equipped with information, being sensitive to changes in our bodies, and benefiting from the screening methods offered by modern medicine in a timely manner are the most proactive steps we can take. Don't postpone your health; don't let your fears control you. This October, do a favor for yourself and your loved ones: take time for a self-examination and, if the time has come, make an appointment for your annual expert physician check-up. Remember, a short time dedicated to your health can gift you a healthy life. You are not alone on this journey; our expert physicians and health personnel are with you to support you every step of the way.
