More than 1,000 breast cancer patients have been treated in North Macedonia

Breast cancer continues to be considered one of the most serious public health problems today, as it affects a large number of women around the world every year. Although significant progress has been made in diagnosis and treatment, this disease remains among the leading causes of death among women, especially in cases when it is detected late.

Specialist surgeon Nexhati Jakupi stated that around 40 years ago, in Macedonia, Kosovo and part of southern Serbia, there were only 100 cases of breast cancer. According to him, now in 2026, more than 1,000 breast cancer cases have been treated in North Macedonia alone, while he added that there is also a considerable number of patients who do not manage to receive treatment.

According to Jakupi, there are three main factors that influence the development of breast cancer: environmental factors, the genetic factor, and the impact of medications.

He stressed that early detection is essential for the treatment of this disease, since in the initial stages breast cancer is treatable and even, as he put it, can have a full 100 percent cure. On the other hand, in more advanced stages, the effect of therapy is lower.

Jakupi said that among the main signs of breast cancer are a change in skin color, as well as the appearance of a lump or hardness. He also underlined that regular check-ups should be carried out by both women and men.

According to him, screening should begin first with the person themselves at home, by maintaining personal hygiene and checking the breasts regularly. Then, the second stage includes a visit to the primary care doctor, whether a general practitioner or gynecologist, while further examinations are recommended with the relevant specialists, such as a radiologist, oncologist and surgeon, through early ultrasound and mammography. He appealed for people eligible for screening to respond to screening invitations, so that the disease can be detected as early as possible or any possibility of being affected by breast cancer can be avoided.

Jakupi also stressed that the age of those affected by breast cancer is continuously declining. According to him, this disease no longer affects only people over the age of 50, but is also appearing among young people, even at puberty. /Shenja