Breast Cancer

Breast cancer develops when cells in the milk-producing glands or the ducts of the breast grow uncontrollably and may spread to other parts of the body.

Globally, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. According to 2020 data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), it accounts for approximately 11.7% of all new cancer cases. In the United States, 1 in 8 women is diagnosed with breast cancer.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women.

Risk Factors

Some factors that may increase the risk of breast cancer include:

• Age

• Early menarche, late menopause

• Family history

• Genetic factors

• Late childbirth or not having given birth

• Estrogen therapy

• History of breast cancer

Diagnosis

The most common initial sign of breast cancer is a lump felt in the breast. However, most breast lumps are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. Nevertheless, any newly detected lump should be evaluated by a physician without delay.

Possible changes associated with breast cancer include:

• Thickening or a lump in the breast

• Changes in the size or shape of the breast

• Dimpling of the breast skin

• Changes in the shape or position of the nipple

• Bloody discharge from the nipple

• Redness in the nipple or surrounding area

• Swelling or a lump in the underarm area

• Breast pain

These symptoms do not necessarily indicate breast cancer; however, if any of these changes are noticed, it is important to consult a doctor.

Treatment

When deciding on the treatment method, the location of the tumor, its size, where it has spread, the appearance of abnormal cells under the microscope, the presence of menopause and the general health of the patient are taken into account.

Treatment Options

Regional

• Surgery

• Radiotherapy

Systemic

• Chemotherapy 

• Hormonal therapy

• Targeted therapies

Kadın Eli Değsin / A Woman's Touch

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization announced for the first time that the incidence of breast cancer had surpassed that of lung cancer. To raise awareness about the importance of early detection and encourage women not to delay their routine check-ups during the lockdown, we launched the “Kadın Eli Değsin” (A Woman’s Touch) project.

During the quarantine period, it became very common for Turkish women to share homemade pastry recipes on social media. Inspired by this insight—and the visual similarity between dough and breast tissue—we saw an opportunity to build a meaningful connection and demonstrate the steps of breast self-examination using dough.

Our project partner, renowned Turkish chef and author Sahrap Soysal, who has influenced generations with her recipes, prepared a traditional potato-filled “kibele” bread. During the program, Prof. Dr. Hasan Karanlık explained when and how breast self-examination should be performed. Local chefs, inspired by Sahrap Soysal, further amplified the project by sharing their own content, helping us reach a wider audience.

Women who engaged with the project also shared their own recipes on social media using the hashtag #kadinelidegsin, contributing to the spread of the message across the country.

Click here to watch campaign videos.

Click link to watch the self breast-exam video!