ABSTRACT

Purpose:

To investigate the effects of information acquired by KETEM’s staff on the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Patients and Methods:

Between 2007-2010, BSE was first taught and performed in all women. USG was performed for those ≤40, and MG for those ≥40; also, USG and MRI were ordered, if necessary. For patients with BIRADS 4-5 lesions via USG, MG and MRI and those whose lesions were diagnosed with USG, tru-cut biopsy and USG were performed. While different treatments were administered for those diagnosed with cancer within first 2-year period, their treatments were planned and performed in second 2-year period under decisions by breast council. Information for patients was obtained from the data in hospital, and that concerning staff’s training from personal files.

Results:

Between 2007-2010, 17768 women applied to Konya KETEM [mean age rate 51 (18-19)]. Of these, 10595(60%), 10492(59%) and 119(0.6%) were administered with MG, USG, respectively. Performing biopsy from suspected malignant 378(2%) breast lesions, 104(0.6%) were diagnosed with cancer. Meetings of Breast Council started on 3rd February, 2009. A surgeon was sent to Breast Unit of Istanbul Medical School, Istanbul University for 3 months. All staff in Konya KETEM were trained. While excisional biopsy was performed for 52% of patients with suspected cancers, and modified radical mastectomy was done before 2007-2008, diagnoses were conducted via tru-cut biopsy between(2009-2010), and rate of breast conserving surgery was 24%.

Conclusion:

In-service training for all staff in KETEMs contributes to modern and accurate procedures in diagnostic and therapeutic stages of breast cancer.