In brief

• The text concerns early detection of breast cancer and how diagnosis and treatment work.
• Oncologist Azamat Kylchykbaev estimates the chance of full cure in stages I and II at 98 percent, and the ten-year survival rate in stages III and IV at 40–60 percent.
• Suspicious lesions require a biopsy, and the treatment plan is set by a multidisciplinary council of doctors of several specialties.
• For breast lumps and nipple discharge, consultation with a mammologist or oncologist is recommended.

Early stages offer the greatest chances

When breast cancer is detected in stages I and II, the chance of full cure is 98 percent, according to oncologist Azamat Kylchykbaev, Candidate of Medical Sciences (При выявлении рака молочной железы на ранних стадиях до 98% пациенток могут полностью выздороветь, - онколог » Новости Кыргызстана, Бишкека и Оша - последние события на сегодня – open.kg). In stages III and IV, the ten-year survival rate drops to 40–60 percent.

What to do after a lesion is detected

A suspicious lump seen on ultrasound or mammography requires a biopsy. The collected sample is examined using histopathology, which shows whether the tumor is malignant. If the diagnosis is confirmed, immunohistochemical staining is additionally performed, which reveals the tumor's properties.

Who decides on treatment

The treatment plan is set by a council including a radiologist, a chemotherapist, and a surgeon, which analyzes the test results. According to the oncologist, treatment usually begins with chemotherapy. Further therapy is sometimes used later.

Signs that warrant seeing a doctor

Breast lumps and nipple discharge, especially of an unusual color, are reasons to consult a mammologist or oncologist (Онколог назвал признаки рака молочной железы, при которых нужно обратиться к врачу » Новости Кыргызстана, Бишкека и Оша - последние события на сегодня – open.kg). Kylchykbaev recommends an examination by such a specialist at least once a year. The doctor palpates the breasts and, if necessary, refers the patient for ultrasound or mammography, which complement each other.