BREASTANBUL 2026 congress highlights advancements in breast cancer surgery

The 7th BREASTANBUL 2026 congress, held in Istanbul from October 8-10, brought together over 1,000 scientists from 62 countries to discuss multidisciplinary approaches to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Supported by the Acıbadem University Senology Research Institute, the event focused on integrating various fields including radiology, pathology, surgery, and genetics.

A major highlight of the congress was the advancement in surgical techniques. Prof. Dr. Cihan Uras noted that robotic and endoscopic methods are increasingly replacing traditional 10 cm incisions with approximately 3 cm incisions. This minimally invasive approach allows for the removal of the entire breast and lymph node sampling through a single small opening, resulting in less bleeding, reduced pain, and improved aesthetic outcomes for patients.

In the field of medical oncology, Prof. Dr. Yeşim Eralp discussed how immunotherapy and new targeted agents for HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancers are improving survival rates. Additionally, genetic testing is helping to reduce the need for unnecessary chemotherapy in certain hormone-sensitive subtypes. In radiation oncology, Prof. Dr. Nuran Beşe emphasized strategies aimed at narrowing the scope of treatment to improve patient quality of life.