Acıbadem Breast Cancer Clinic… A Center Exclusively Focused on Breast Cancer Treatment

Being recognized as a world-class breast cancer clinic is built on medical expertise, continuity of care, and a multidisciplinary approach. At Acıbadem, more than 50 physicians from various specialties, all with dedicated expertise in breast cancer, collaborate to meticulously plan, deliver, and manage every aspect of patient care. Hundreds of patients from around the world choose the Acıbadem Breast Cancer Clinic for their treatment each year.

Each type of cancer is unique and has its own characteristics. Breast cancer is not only the most common cancer in women but also carries symbolic significance related to body image and femininity. That’s why, at Acıbadem, we prioritize preserving the breast’s appearance whenever possible. We perform breast-conserving surgery, which involves removing the tumor along with a safe margin of surrounding healthy tissue, rather than the entire breast.

Staying Motivated is Crucial

A breast cancer diagnosis can be deeply challenging for many women. Prof. Cihan Uras emphasizes the importance of physicians supporting patients throughout their treatment journey: “We must truly understand what the patient is going through. That’s very important. Yes, there is a lesion in the breast, but we can manage this condition successfully. There is no need to be afraid. Staying motivated during treatment is crucial for all of us. I believe strong morale is vital because it boosts the immune system, and the immune system fights cancer cells.”

A Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Approach

A multidisciplinary approach is essential in the treatment of breast cancer. At Acıbadem, all relevant medical specialties come together not only to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, but also to support every stage of the patient’s healing journey.

Within the clinic, surgeons, medical oncologists, radiologists, radiation oncologists, geneticists, pathologists, plastic surgeons, nurses, psychologists, and dietitians work collaboratively. What makes the Acıbadem Breast Cancer Unit unique is that each expert is specifically trained in and fully dedicated to breast cancer care.

Every week, the team discusses each patient’s case in detail to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. From diagnosis to recovery, the entire process is meticulously planned, carried out, and closely monitored by a highly specialized multidisciplinary team.

A Clinic with a Quarter-Century of Experience

Professor Cihan Uras, one of the pioneers in breast cancer treatment in Türkiye, has led the Acıbadem Breast Cancer Clinic for 25 years. This long-standing experience allows both physicians and patients to navigate the treatment process more smoothly, even with the high patient volume at the center. The clinic serves not only local patients but also attracts individuals from around the world who seek advanced treatment options.

Prof. Uras shares: “It is an honor to care for patients who travel from their home countries to seek treatment here. Being recognized as a trusted global center reflects the credibility of Türkiye, Acıbadem, and our clinic. Serving international patients is both a great responsibility and a true source of happiness for us. Every patient is unique and like a member of our family. We always aim to do our best for them.”

An Extraordinary Case That Inspires Patients

While some breast cancers can be treated relatively easily, others may require a longer and more complex journey. The story of a young woman treated at Acıbadem shows how meticulous planning and personal determination can lead to life-changing outcomes, offering hope to others facing similar challenges.

Shortly after getting engaged, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Following screening and biopsy, her treatment plan was designed, beginning with chemotherapy. However, because chemotherapy affects fertility, she was advised to undergo egg or embryo freezing to preserve her chance of becoming a mother in the future before starting treatment. However, according to regulations in Türkiye, only married couples are allowed to freeze embryos. With remarkable determination, the couple made a swift and heartfelt decision to get married. Following their marriage and the successful embryo freezing procedure, she began chemotherapy. This was followed by breast-conserving surgery and radiotherapy, which successfully eliminated the tumor. To help prevent recurrence, she started anti-hormonal therapy in the form of oral medication.

In the third year of treatment, her hormonal therapy was paused. The frozen embryos were used, and, thankfully, pregnancy was achieved. She gave birth to a healthy baby. After delivery, she resumed her hormonal treatment. By the end of her journey, she was married, became a mother, and successfully overcame breast cancer.

Professor Cihan Uras reflects on the case: “This story is one of the most inspiring examples, not only of overcoming disease but also of taking ownership of one’s future and the will to keep going. Stories like this remind me why I chose this profession.”

Improved Outcomes in Metastatic Breast Cancer

In the past, a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer came with a very low chance of survival. But today, thanks to advances in chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy, outcomes have significantly improved. Professor Cihan Uras shares another case: “Today, I operated on a patient who was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer three years ago at our clinic. She had undergone chemotherapy and anti-hormonal therapy. When we re-evaluated her condition, everything looked very good. Only small tumors remained in the breast and axilla, and we removed them. In the past, operating on such patients would have been impossible. But now, everything has changed for the better.”