Breast cancer may not show symptoms until it reaches advanced stages. Early diagnosis of breast cancer increases the chances of successful treatment and survival. The most important factor in early diagnosis is the person's awareness of this issue. The following methods are applied for early diagnosis:

• Between the ages of 20-40: Self-breast examination should be done once a month. When one of the breast cancer symptoms is seen, a doctor should be consulted immediately. In addition, a doctor should be visited for a breast examination every two years.
• Between the ages of 40-69; Self-breast examination should be done once a month, a doctor should be visited for a breast examination every year, and a mammogram should be taken every two years. Mammograms are taken free of charge at Cancer Early Diagnosis, Screening and Education Centers (KETEM) in every province in our country; and self-breast examination trainings and brochures are also provided free of charge.

Treatment
Each patient's treatment varies; multiple factors such as the location of the disease, its stage, the patient's age and other health problems are effective in the treatment decision. Different treatment options such as surgery, radiation therapy (radiotherapy) and drug therapy (chemotherapy) are applied in breast cancer.

Prevention
As with all cancers; healthy (rich in vegetables and fruits) eating habits, doing at least 150 minutes of moderate (at least 10 minutes of brisk walking, cycling, etc.) or at least 75 minutes of vigorous (at least 10 minutes of running, swimming, etc.) physical activity per week, being at a healthy weight and staying at that weight reduce the risk of breast cancer. You can learn whether you are at a healthy weight by consulting your family doctor. There are studies that breastfeeding for 1.5-2 years protects mothers from breast cancer.