Breast Cancer Awareness Month: “Get examined even if you have no complaints.”

One in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. Experts state that early diagnosis saves lives, and if detected at a young age, cancer can be completely cured with surgery alone. While the rate of breast cancer cases under the age of 50 in Türkiye has reached 50 percent, technological advancements in treatment are improving patients' quality of life. Pastavilla General Manager Dilara Arslan, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 36, launched an awareness campaign by offering free screenings to her 900 female employees.

News: Nergiz Turan

Throughout October, "Pink Ribbon"-themed awareness events are being held around the world. This symbol is gaining popularity because breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide.

Professor Dr. Beyza Özçınar, Vice Chair of Memeder's Board of Directors, says the primary goal of awareness campaigns is to encourage healthy, asymptomatic women to get regular checkups. Özçınar notes that one in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives, noting that while the disease affects only one in every 100 men, it is much more common in women.

Özçınar points out that early diagnosis rates have increased in Türkiye thanks to awareness-raising efforts in recent years. Özçınar notes that Türkiye ranks above the global average for breast cancer incidence, and that the rate of cases detected at a particularly young age is particularly striking due to the country's young population. While breast cancer cases among those under 50 are around 25 percent in Europe and America, this rate in Türkiye reaches nearly 50 percent.

Özçınar states that individuals with more than one family member diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age are at risk, but emphasizes that 70-80 percent of cases develop sporadically, without any risk factors or genetic causes.

Prof. Dr. Özçınar states that women should perform regular monthly breast self-examinations starting from the ages of 18-20, stating that this allows them to recognize normal breast tissue and detect changes early.

Özçınar emphasizes that early diagnosis saves lives, explaining that if cancer is detected when it's too small to be touched, it can be completely cured with surgery alone. Özçınar explains that this eliminates the need for chemotherapy and the survival rate reaches 99-100 percent. He adds that late diagnosis prolongs treatment, necessitates additional treatments like chemotherapy, and shortens lifespan.

Özçınar also touches on advancements in surgery, stating that oncoplastic surgical techniques allow for the removal of large masses while preserving breast tissue, and breast reshaping. In cases where a full breast needs to be removed, Özçınar explains that reconstruction is performed in the same session using silicone implants, which positively impacts both aesthetic appearance and quality of life.

Özçınar emphasizes that technological advances in treatment processes have improved patients' quality of life and that the side effects of radiation therapy have decreased. The duration of radiation therapy can be shortened from six weeks to three weeks, and in some cases, to one week. Özçınar also notes that new-generation chemotherapy drugs, smart drugs, and immunotherapies have significantly increased treatment success.

Prof. Dr. Özçınar states that campaigns such as "Pink Ribbon" and "Pink Ball" have made strong contributions to awareness efforts conducted on social media, resulting in an increase in early diagnosis rates.

Özçınar explains that they have collaborated with numerous private sector stakeholders in awareness-raising activities for 18 years, and that projects supported by institutions such as Çırağan Palace, Penti, Nestlé, and Migros have reached tens of thousands of women. Özçınar explains that these efforts have been expanded through the pink color of Çırağan Palace, Penti product boxes featuring breast self-exam videos, and "Pink Festival" events held in various cities.

Memeder aims to bring the mammography screening service, which the Ministry of Health offers to women aged 40-69, to women who lack financial means or have limited access to healthcare services.

One of the most important points Prof. Dr. Özçınar highlights is that women often delay going to the doctor out of fear. However, early diagnosis saves lives, and Pastavilla General Manager Dilara Arslan is one of those who has experienced this firsthand.

Diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36, Arslan describes her experience: "I remember the moment I received the diagnosis like it was yesterday, and it will probably remain a memory I will never forget, down to the smallest detail, for the rest of my life. The first thing I thought of was my son; the first feeling I felt was indescribable anxiety."

Sharing her recovery with her community, Arslan decided that her experiences shouldn't be limited to her, and launched an awareness campaign at her workplace. Arslan has provided breast health screenings to all 900 female employees at Pastavilla, providing free mammograms for those over 40 and free breast ultrasounds for those under 40.

Arslan explains how she combines leadership and patient identities: “When this health process began, another identity was added to my life: ‘Dilara on the road to recovery.’ I first shared it with those around me; as I shared it, I saw people getting checked out and taking steps to protect their own health.”

Calling on women who are afraid to get tested, Arslan says, “Fear is a very human emotion, but if it is not managed correctly, it can become a stopping force.” He adds, “What really motivates women is not fearlessness, but a sense of responsibility.”

Arslan, who says the illness taught him both the fragility and strength of life, notes that his priorities have shifted. He also said , "I don't want to do more, I want to do more meaningful things. Whereas before, my rhythm was much faster and more demanding, now everything is centered around balance."

Arslan, who shares a message with women who read her story and are considering a checkup, concludes: "For me, that check-up was one of the biggest steps I've ever taken for myself. It will be one of the most powerful steps in showing yourself love, care, and attention."