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October is recognized globally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an important opportunity to raise awareness about breast health, early detection, accurate diagnosis and access to comprehensive cancer care.
Understanding breast cancer screening is an important first step for women who want to take a proactive approach to their health. Screening, however, is only one part of the patient journey. When an abnormality is identified, further imaging, biopsy, pathology and specialist assessment may be required.
For international patients considering treatment abroad, the quality of medical care is only one part of the decision. Access to experienced specialists, modern diagnostic technologies, multidisciplinary treatment and professional international patient coordination can also be important factors.
According to the World Health Organization's latest breast cancer information , approximately 2.4 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer globally in 2024 and approximately 694,000 women died from the disease. WHO also estimates that 8.2 million women were living with breast cancer at the end of 2024.
These 2024 figures are currently the latest global estimates published by WHO. Breast cancer was the most common cancer in women in 164 of 186 countries in 2024.
1. Why Breast Cancer Screening Matters
Breast cancer can develop without obvious symptoms. This is one reason why appropriate breast cancer screening remains an important part of women's healthcare.
Screening is designed to identify possible breast abnormalities before symptoms appear. Mammography is commonly used for breast cancer screening, while other imaging methods may be recommended depending on a woman's age, risk factors, breast characteristics and medical history.
Screening should not be confused with diagnostic testing. Screening is generally performed in people without symptoms. Diagnostic evaluation is performed when a patient has symptoms or when screening identifies an abnormality.
Early Detection Is About More Than One Test
A screening mammogram does not provide a final cancer diagnosis. If an abnormality is detected, additional imaging or a biopsy may be required. The objective is to move from screening to an accurate diagnosis and, when necessary, timely treatment.
2. How Breast Cancer Screening Works
The appropriate screening approach varies between individuals. Mammography remains a central screening method, while ultrasound and MRI may have specific roles in diagnostic evaluation or screening selected women at increased risk.
Mammography
Mammography uses X-rays to create detailed images of breast tissue and can identify certain abnormalities before they cause noticeable symptoms.
3D Mammography
Digital breast tomosynthesis, commonly known as 3D mammography, can provide additional breast imaging information in appropriate clinical settings.
Breast Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses sound waves to examine breast tissue and may help evaluate an abnormality detected during mammography or physical examination.
Breast MRI
Breast MRI provides detailed images and may be recommended for selected women with a significantly increased risk of breast cancer.
Who May Need Additional Screening?
Screening recommendations should be individualized. Women with a strong family history, certain genetic mutations or previous chest radiation may have a substantially higher risk and may require additional imaging.
Current screening recommendations vary according to age and individual risk. Women with a significantly increased risk may be advised to have additional imaging such as MRI alongside mammography.
3. Breast Cancer Symptoms That Should Be Evaluated
Screening is important, but women should also be aware of changes that may require medical evaluation.
Possible breast cancer symptoms include:
- A new lump or thickening in the breast
- A change in breast size or shape
- Skin dimpling or an unusual skin texture
- Changes involving the nipple
- Unusual or bloody nipple discharge
- Persistent localized breast changes
- Swelling or a lump in the armpit
4. Breast Cancer Diagnosis: From Imaging to Biopsy
An abnormal mammogram does not automatically mean that a patient has breast cancer. Additional tests are often needed to determine the nature of an abnormal finding.
The process of breast cancer screening and diagnosis can include clinical evaluation, diagnostic mammography, ultrasound, MRI and, when indicated, biopsy.
Medical Evaluation
A specialist reviews symptoms, medical history, family history and previous examinations.
Diagnostic Imaging
Additional mammography, ultrasound or MRI may be used to investigate a suspicious finding.
Biopsy
A tissue sample may be obtained when imaging indicates a suspicious abnormality.
Pathology
The tissue is examined to determine whether cancer is present and to identify important biological characteristics.
Staging and Treatment Planning
The medical team determines the extent of disease and develops an individualized treatment strategy.
Why Is Biopsy Important?
A biopsy provides tissue that can be examined by a pathologist. Pathology can establish whether cancer is present and provide important information about tumour type and biological characteristics.
5. Understanding Breast Cancer Types and Biomarkers
Breast cancer is not one single disease. Modern oncology evaluates biological characteristics of the tumour because these findings can influence the treatment strategy.
Estrogen Receptor
Estrogen receptor status can help determine whether hormone therapy may be appropriate.
Progesterone Receptor
Progesterone receptor testing provides additional information about tumour biology.
HER2 Status
HER2 testing can identify patients who may benefit from specific HER2-targeted therapies.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Triple-negative breast cancer does not express estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors or HER2.
6. Breast Cancer Treatment Options
Once breast cancer has been diagnosed, treatment is personalized according to the tumour type, stage, biological characteristics, overall health and previous treatment.
Modern breast cancer diagnosis and treatment options can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
Surgery
Surgery is an important treatment for many patients with localized or operable breast cancer. Depending on the individual case, surgery may involve breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy, together with appropriate lymph node assessment.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. It may be recommended after breast-conserving surgery and in selected patients after mastectomy or lymph node surgery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medicines that target rapidly dividing cancer cells. Depending on the diagnosis, chemotherapy may be given before surgery, after surgery or as part of treatment for advanced disease.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone receptor-positive breast cancers may respond to endocrine therapies that reduce the effect of hormones on cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted medicines are designed to act against specific characteristics of cancer cells. HER2-targeted treatments are an important example of personalized breast cancer therapy.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy may be considered for selected patients according to tumour subtype, stage and other clinical characteristics.
Breast Cancer Care in Türkiye for International Patients
For international patients, choosing a destination for cancer treatment involves more than looking at a hospital or comparing treatment costs. Patients often need coordinated access to diagnostic imaging, pathology, surgery, medical oncology and radiation oncology.
Türkiye has developed a significant international healthcare sector, supported by hospitals, specialist physicians, advanced medical technologies and international patient services.
Patients who want to learn more about VONOVA Health's organization and approach can also visit our About VONOVA Health page.
According to current USHAŞ data, 1,398,580 people visited Türkiye to receive healthcare services in 2025, generating approximately 3.022 billion US dollars in health tourism revenue.
The latest available 2026 data also shows continued international healthcare activity. In the second quarter of 2026, 563,327 people visited Türkiye for healthcare services and health tourism revenue reached approximately 1.5795 billion US dollars.
How VONOVA Health Supports International Patients
VONOVA Health is a Türkiye-based international healthcare coordination company supporting patients who travel to Türkiye for medical care.
For breast cancer patients, the process can involve coordination before arrival, specialist consultation, diagnostic review, treatment planning and assistance throughout the medical journey.
- Medical records and case review
- Specialist consultation coordination
- Hospital and treatment planning
- Diagnostic appointment coordination
- Accommodation assistance
- Airport and local transfer coordination
- Translation and international patient support
- Follow-up coordination
You can learn more about VONOVA Health's accreditations and quality credentials and our contracted hospitals and healthcare partners .
Breast Cancer Screening in Türkiye
Patients researching breast cancer screening in Türkiye may have different requirements depending on whether they are seeking routine screening, evaluation of a breast symptom, a second opinion or further investigation after an abnormal mammogram.
International patients can provide existing medical records and imaging before travelling. These may include mammography, ultrasound, MRI, biopsy and pathology reports.
Reviewing existing documentation before the patient's arrival can help the medical team understand the clinical history and determine whether additional examinations or specialist consultations may be appropriate.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment in Türkiye
Patients with a confirmed diagnosis may be looking for more than a single medical procedure. They may need a coordinated pathway involving breast surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology and diagnostic imaging.
For this reason, breast cancer screening and treatment options should be evaluated according to the patient's individual diagnosis, disease stage and treatment history rather than by using a standard package for every patient.
A multidisciplinary approach can help specialists evaluate the case from different perspectives and create a treatment plan appropriate for the patient's medical needs.
Why International Patient Coordination Matters
Travelling abroad for cancer treatment can be stressful. Patients may need to communicate with hospitals, physicians, laboratories, accommodation providers and transportation services while also managing their medical condition.
Before Travel
Medical documents can be collected and reviewed so that the appropriate specialist and healthcare institution can be identified.
During Treatment
International patient coordination can help organize appointments, transfers, interpretation and communication.
Medical Journey
Patients can receive assistance in coordinating the different stages of their healthcare journey in Türkiye.
Follow-Up
Relevant medical information and follow-up arrangements can be coordinated after treatment.
What Should International Patients Prepare Before Traveling?
Patients considering breast cancer treatment abroad should collect their available medical documentation before travelling.
- Mammography reports and images
- Breast ultrasound reports
- Breast MRI reports and images, if available
- Biopsy results
- Complete pathology reports
- Immunohistochemistry results
- Previous surgery reports
- Chemotherapy records
- Radiation therapy records
- Current medication list
- Relevant laboratory results
Breast Cancer Second Opinion in Türkiye
A second medical opinion may help patients better understand their diagnosis and available treatment choices, especially when the case is complex or several treatment approaches may be possible.
A second opinion can include review of pathology, imaging and previous treatment records. The purpose is to provide an additional specialist perspective and support informed medical decision-making.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Turning Awareness Into Action
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to move beyond awareness campaigns and focus on practical steps: understanding personal risk, following appropriate screening recommendations, recognizing possible symptoms and seeking timely medical assessment.
Understand Your Risk
Discuss personal and family history with a healthcare professional when appropriate.
Follow Screening Guidance
Follow the screening recommendations appropriate for your age and individual risk profile.
Do Not Ignore Changes
Seek medical evaluation when you notice a new or unexplained breast change.
Ask About Your Options
If diagnosed, ask your medical team about diagnosis, treatment alternatives and expected next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Cancer Screening
What is breast cancer screening?
When should women start breast cancer screening?
Does a breast lump always mean cancer?
What happens after an abnormal mammogram?
What are the main breast cancer treatment options?
Can international patients receive breast cancer care in Türkiye?
Can VONOVA Health arrange a breast cancer consultation in Türkiye?
Can I request a second opinion in Türkiye?
Final Thoughts on Breast Cancer Screening and Treatment
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that early detection, accurate diagnosis and timely access to appropriate treatment are important parts of modern breast cancer care.
Breast cancer screening can help identify certain breast abnormalities before symptoms develop, while any new or unexplained breast change should be medically evaluated.
Modern breast cancer diagnosis and treatment options are increasingly personalized. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy may all have roles depending on the individual diagnosis.
For international patients, Türkiye offers a developed healthcare infrastructure and a growing international healthcare sector. Patients considering breast cancer screening in Türkiye or breast cancer treatment in Türkiye can benefit from professional coordination that brings together medical assessment, specialist consultations and the practical elements of travelling for healthcare.
VONOVA Health supports international patients throughout this process, helping coordinate their medical journey in Türkiye while keeping the patient's individual medical needs at the center of the process.
Looking for Breast Cancer Care in Türkiye?
VONOVA Health helps international patients coordinate breast cancer consultations, diagnostic evaluations, second opinions and treatment journeys in Türkiye.
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