The Cancer Survivors Association (Kanser Savaşçıları Derneği) met with students of the Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication to raise awareness about breast cancer and emphasize the importance of early diagnosis. In the training held at the Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication Fuat Sezgin Conference Hall, students were informed about breast cancer, early detection methods, and breast self-examination.
The breast cancer awareness training, organized by the Cancer Survivors Association as part of its mission to raise social awareness, took place on April 29, 2026, at the Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication Fuat Sezgin Conference Hall. The day-long training, aimed at the students of the Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication, focused on raising awareness among young people regarding breast cancer and early diagnosis methods. The training event commenced with the opening speech of Assoc. Prof. Cem Tutar, Head of the Department of Cartoon and Animation at Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication.
Following the opening remarks, Dr. Belma Kurdoğlu Akgün, President of the Cancer Survivors Association, provided information about the association's activities and awareness projects. Sharing the association's efforts to raise cancer awareness in society, Dr. Akgün drew attention to the significance of raising awareness, especially among younger age groups.
Within the scope of the training program, Specialist Dr. Yıldız Keleş and Specialist Dr. Berrin Aydın delivered presentations addressing the medical, psychological, and social dimensions of breast cancer. The presentations highlighted the vital role of early diagnosis in quality of life and the treatment process. Following the theoretical briefing, the experts answered the students' questions.
In the practical section of the program, Specialist Nurse Ebru Dönmez, one of the founding members of the Cancer Survivors Association, and 8 students from the Istinye University Department of Nursing took part. Participants were shown practical methods of breast self-examination and screening techniques on breast models.
The training emphasized that early diagnosis is of vital importance. The aim was not only for students to gain theoretical knowledge but also to transform this awareness into an applicable practice in their daily lives.
As part of the program, students' pre-training knowledge levels and post-training competencies were measured using specially designed questions. This aimed to go beyond mere awareness and establish a scientific data foundation. Highlighting the importance of the data to be obtained from this training, Dr. Belma Kurdoğlu Akgün, President of the Cancer Survivors Association, said, “We are not only increasing the awareness of our youth on this subject but also measuring the effectiveness of the training. We aim to thoroughly analyze the outcomes of our survey studies and present them as a report that will guide our future endeavors.”
Prof. Gül Esra Atalay, Dean of the Üsküdar University Faculty of Communication, expressed her satisfaction with the collaboration established with the Cancer Survivors Association. Prof. Atalay pointed out the importance of communication students becoming conscious of public health issues, stating, “It is highly valuable for us that future communicators are well-equipped in such public health issues. We are very pleased to host this highly beneficial and productive event and to see our students acquire this awareness.”
The training, which drew intense interest from the participating students, concluded after the experts answered questions from the audience. The program was evaluated as a significant awareness initiative toward making early diagnosis of breast cancer a culture of life.
