While breast cancer continues to be the most common type of cancer in women in Türkiye and around the world, misconceptions about the disease can negatively affect early diagnosis and treatment processes. At the meeting held in Istanbul within the scope of October Breast Cancer Awareness Month, experts who are members of the Turkish Medical Oncology Association brought to the agenda the misinformation that is widespread in the society, especially about herbal treatments, mammography, genetic predisposition and chemotherapy. The common message of the experts was that early diagnosis, scientific treatment and regular physician follow-up are vital.
BIG DANGER IN HERBAL PRODUCTS
Turkish Medical Oncology Association Board Member Assoc. Dr. Tülay Eren stated that there is a chance of full recovery if breast cancer is detected at an early stage and warned against methods other than scientific treatment. Reminding that breast cancer screenings are free of charge in Türkiye, Eren said that herbal products, in particular, should not be seen as innocent. Eren, “Herbal substances can cause serious poisoning and weaken chemotherapy treatment. “We do not recommend any method other than the treatment given by doctors,” he said. Stating that there have been significant developments in cancer treatment in recent years, Eren emphasized that breast cancer should no longer be identified with hopelessness.
THERE IS A RISK EVEN IF IT IS NOT IN THE FAMILY
One of the most common misconceptions about breast cancer is that women who have no family history of the disease think they are not at risk. Prof. Dr. Handan Onur Topuzlu pointed out that most women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a significant family history. For this reason, Topuzlu stated that women who do not have a family history of breast cancer should not neglect regular screenings and reminded that the disease can also occur in men.
FEAR OF MAMMOGRAPHY MAY BE MISLEADING
Another issue discussed in society is whether mammography causes cancer. Prof. Dr. Gül Başaran stated that the risk that low-dose radiation used in mammography may pose should be evaluated together with the benefits of early diagnosis. Emphasizing that mammography is an important method for detecting breast cancer at an early stage, Başaran pointed out the importance of genetic counseling, especially in determining the risk of hereditary cancer related to BRCA genes.
CHEMOTHERAPY IS NOT REQUIRED FOR EVERY PATIENT
One of the remarkable developments in breast cancer treatment is the increasing prevalence of personalized methods. Prof. Dr. Yeşim Eralp said that breast cancer is not a single type of disease, and treatment decisions are made according to the biological characteristics of the tumor and the stage of the disease. Stating that there are options other than chemotherapy for suitable patients thanks to hormone treatments and targeted smart drugs, Eralp emphasized that not every breast cancer patient has to receive chemotherapy.
NOTEVERYTHING NATURAL IS SAFE
Prof. Dr. Özlem Sönmez also pointed out that herbal mixtures and uncontrolled food supplements can interact with cancer drugs. Stating that products that are considered safe, especially because they are natural, can cause serious health problems, Sönmez said that methods with unproven scientific effectiveness should not be used instead of standard cancer treatment.
