Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women, but if it is diagnosed at an early stage, there is a good chance it can be successfully treated, according to an expert.

Axar.az reports citing AA that as the world marks October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Professor Semih Gorgulu informed about breast cancer, its treatment, diagnosis, and self-examination methods.

“One out of eight women in Turkey is diagnosed with breast cancer,” said Gorgulu, an expert in breast and endocrine surgery.

“Every woman above the age of 20 should have a medical examination every three years and examine themselves every month,” Gorgulu said, adding women above 40 should also have a mammogram along with a medical examination.

Once cancer is diagnosed, the patient is treated with medication or preventive surgery, which is removing the tissue where the tumor is located or all breast tissue and replacing it with a prosthesis, Gorgulu said.

Removing the tissue is not enough in protective surgery, as radiotherapy should follow the treatment, he added.

"For early diagnosis, regular checks are a must,” he concluded.

Turkey is raising awareness against breast cancer across the country with campaigns and official announcements.