Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Risk Factors, and the Importance of Early Diagnosis

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women and, with early diagnosis, is highly treatable. Affecting tens of thousands of women in Türkiye each year, breast cancer can be largely controlled with accurate information and regular checkups.

What is Breast Cancer?

✔️ It occurs due to uncontrolled proliferation of cells in breast tissue.
✔️ It usually starts in the milk ducts ( ductal ) or milk glands ( lobular ).
✔️ When diagnosed early, the treatment success rate is over 90%.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

✔️ Hard mass in the breast or armpit
✔️ Nipple discharge (especially bloody)
✔️ Redness, thickening or orange peel appearance of the breast skin
✔️ Nipple retraction or deformity
✔️ Asymmetry or size changes in the breast
✔️ Swelling under the armpit

Early Signs of Breast Cancer

✔️ Small masses that are newly noticed and do not go away
✔️ Crust or discoloration on the nipple
✔️ Unexplained pain or tenderness
✔️ Slightly enlarged lymph nodes under the armpit

📌 When these symptoms are noticed, a specialist should be consulted immediately.

Is Breast Cancer More Common on the Right or Left Side?

📊 According to research, although the rates are close to each other, some studies show that it is slightly more common in the left breast.

Where is the lump usually located in breast cancer?

✔️ It is most commonly seen in the upper outer part of the breast (the area close to the armpit).
✔️ Because this area is where the breast tissue is most dense.

How Is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

✔️ Manual Examination: Once a month from the age of 20
✔️ Mammography: Once a year for those over 40
✔️ Ultrasound: In young women with dense breast tissue
✔️ MRI Imaging: In high-risk groups
✔️ Biopsy: For definitive diagnosis

The Importance of Genetic Testing in Breast Cancer

✔️ BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations increase the risk
✔️ Women with a family history are recommended to have genetic testing.
✔️ It is possible to take precautions when the risk is learned early.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

✔️ Advanced age
✔️ Family history of breast cancer
✔️ Hormone treatments
✔️ Long-term use of birth control pills
✔️ Obesity and unhealthy diet
✔️ Smoking and alcohol use
✔️ Lack of physical activity

Ways to Prevent Breast Cancer

✔️ Regular exercise
✔️ Healthy and fiber-rich diet
✔️ Stay away from cigarettes and alcohol
✔️ Maintaining ideal weight
✔️ Breastfeeding (has a protective effect)
✔️ Regular doctor check-ups

Aesthetic and Psychological Support After Breast Cancer

Some women may experience breast tissue or nipple loss after breast cancer treatment. This can affect not only their physical appearance but also their self-esteem.

✨ The first and only nipple prosthesis in Turkey – Last Touch Nipples is a practical solution that completes the post-operative aesthetic appearance.

✔️ Realistic design
✔️ Easy to use
✔️ FDA approved medical silicone, adhesive and remover

👉 Check out Last Touch Nipples products for more information.