Uskudar University's “2nd National Congress on Current Approaches in Nutrition and Dietetics” commenced at the Ibn-i Sina Auditorium of the Uskudar University NP Health Campus. The theme of this year's congress, set as "The Power of Nutrition in a Holistic Approach to Cancer," sees expert academicians sharing preventive nutritional approaches against cancer and the latest scientific findings in this field.
The opening speeches of the congress were delivered by the Congress President and Head of Uskudar University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Arslan; Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin; and Founding Rector and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Uskudar University, Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan.
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan: “What we eat also affects our personality and our behaviors”
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, referring to the productivity of last year's congress, emphasized that this year's congress would also address current approaches, particularly highlighting the importance of the "holistic approach to cancer" theme.
Stating that cancer is statistically increasing and one of its reasons is nutritional habits, Tarhan touched upon the brain-body axis and the effects of nutrition on the immune system from his field of psychiatry. Citing an experiment conducted on mice using cherry blossom scent and electroshock, Prof. Dr. Tarhan said that learned behaviors and environmental influences can lead to changes in genetic structure, a condition termed "epigenetics." He noted that such changes could be passed on to new generations through micro DNAs and that these effects could persist if learning continues. Prof. Dr. Tarhan, who also shared a similar experiment conducted on worms, stated, "What we eat doesn't just affect our stomachs. It also affects our personality and behaviors."
Topics such as whether foods cause DNA damage should be discussed
Emphasizing that this issue should be taken seriously in a world where processed foods are widespread and what we eat is not fully known, Prof. Dr. Tarhan stated that topics such as whether foods cause DNA damage should be discussed. Stating that humans also have a relationship with food, Prof. Dr. Tarhan recalled the words of a patient from Gaziantep, "If I'm not going to eat, why should I live?" drawing attention to the importance of the meaning attributed to food. He noted that in such situations, food awareness and mindful eating disappear, inviting many diseases, and in this context, touched upon the importance of "mindful eating" programs.
What can be done to prevent people from getting sick?
Stating that the primary duty of healthcare professionals is primary prevention, meaning determining what can be done to prevent people from getting sick, Prof. Dr. Tarhan said, "What can be done to prevent people from getting sick? At the top of this list is correct and balanced nutrition. Prebiotics, probiotics, and all similar elements are directly related to disease prevention. The issue of how we should protect the microbiota also holds an important place in this context. All of these are fundamental topics that need to be addressed in terms of preventive medicine.”
Noting that more research should be done on the relationship between food and chemistry, and the effects of food on human mental health and brain health, Prof. Dr. Tarhan stated, “At this point, seeing the interest of young participants makes me happy. Their interest and concern for these issues are of great value.”
Lifestyle plays a decisive role in 60-70 percent of diseases
Stating that colon cancer is quite common today, Prof. Dr. Tarhan continued:
“There is a very close relationship between this disease and nutrition. The relationship between dietary habits and gut microbiota is equally strong. If a person has a family history of colon cancer, meaning there is a genetic predisposition, their risk of developing colon cancer increases. However, the rate of genetic predisposition is much lower than commonly thought; only around 5 percent. There is an important detail at this point. If an individual has a gene predisposition to colon cancer but eats healthily, this gene may not become active; that is, it remains ‘silent.’ However, when a person eats unhealthily, this gene can activate, and the process of cancerous cell formation can begin. Therefore, lifestyle plays a decisive role in 60-70 percent of diseases. Inability to eat healthily and develop healthy behaviors is the fundamental cause of many diseases.”
Prof. Dr. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin: “Today, in many countries, there are already elderly people in their 70s, 80s, 90s, and 100s”
Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Arif Aktuğ Ertekin, emphasized the importance of the congress's theme.
Prof. Dr. Ertekin stated that when looking at the factors in cancer development, not many changes can be made to genetic characteristics with current knowledge, but studies in this area are rapidly continuing. He emphasized that some environmental factors can be intervened with, and although direct impact on factors like climate change and air pollution may not be possible, nutrition comes first among individual actions that can be taken.
Cancers are among the leading causes of death in the world
Prof. Dr. Ertekin stated that cancers, which are among the leading causes of death worldwide, will become a greater societal problem in both Turkey and the world as human life expectancy increases. He said, "Today, in many countries, there are already elderly people in their 70s, 80s, 90s, and 100s. Among the most important risks in cancer development is increased life expectancy. As it lengthens, genetic structures in cells deteriorate, mutate, and carcinogenic factors emerge."
At this point, Prof. Dr. Ertekin stated that states and countries should take precautions, pointing out the importance of developing information, awareness-raising, and screening programs.
Prof. Dr. Ertekin said that individual actions include protecting the body from excessive weight and leading an active lifestyle, emphasizing that these two factors are among the most important risk factors for all types of cancer.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Arslan: “Cancer poses a significant health burden not only in Turkey but also on a global scale”
Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, and Congress President, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Arslan, drew attention to the critical role of nutrition in the fight against cancer.
Stating that this year's congress's main theme was determined as ‘The Role of Nutrition in a Holistic Approach to Cancer,’ Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arslan said, “Cancer poses a significant health burden not only in Turkey but also on a global scale. Parallel to the increase in its incidence and prevalence, mortality rates are also rising. Cancer is a multifaceted problem that affects not only the diagnosed individual but also their close environment and family, both psychologically and in terms of quality of life. For this reason, we wanted to discuss the power of nutrition and nutritional practices by addressing it with a multidisciplinary approach in this context.”
Expressing her satisfaction with the intense interest in the congress, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arslan said, "The crowd here truly gives me great hope."
Following the speeches, speakers and participants took a group photo.
Session on "Nutritional Approaches in Cancer Prevention"
Following the opening speeches, the first session of the congress began. In the session titled "Nutritional Approaches in Cancer Prevention," co-chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Arslan and Prof. Dr. Yasemin Akdevelioğlu, experts in their field shared important information.
In the session, first, Asst. Prof. Dr. Begüm Kalyoncu from Istanbul Aydın University presented on "Genetic Codes of Nutrition in Cancer Prevention: Epigenetics and Nutrigenetics." Asst. Prof. Dr. Sevan Çetin Özbek from Yüksek İhtisas University presented on "Antioxidants and Phytochemicals: The Role of Natural Protectors." Prof. Dr. Yasemin Akdevelioğlu from Gazi University presented on "New Approaches in Cancer Prevention: Vitamin D and Omega-3." Finally, Prof. Dr. Tarkan Karakan from a private clinic presented on "Gut Microbiome and Cancer: Fermented Foods."
Nutritional strategies in the fight against cancer
The afternoon sessions of the congress will continue to evaluate the multifaceted role of nutrition in the fight against cancer. The second session, to be chaired by Prof. Dr. Çetin Kaymak and Prof. Dr. Bülent Saka, will address "Targeted Treatment Methods in Cancer." Prof. Dr. Perran Fulden Yumuk from American Hospital will present on "Malnutrition, Sarcopenia, Cachexia: Clinical Applications," and Dr. Dyt. Tuğçe Aytulu from the same hospital will present on "Personalized Nutritional Therapy in Cancer Patients."
Targeted treatment methods in cancer will be discussed
The third session of the congress will be chaired by Prof. Dr. Perran Fulden Yumuk and Prof. Dr. Yasemin Akdevelioğlu. This session, under the theme "Targeted Treatment Methods in Cancer," will feature Prof. Dr. Bülent Saka from Istanbul University presenting on "Nutrition and Drug Interactions in Cancer Treatment," Prof. Dr. Gamze Akbulut from Istanbul Kent University on "Starving Cancer Cells: Metabolic Strategies and Treatment Potential," Specialist Dietitian Birgül Dağ from Lokman Hekim University on "The Role of Dietitians in Nutritional Protocols for Cancer Patients," and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nihal Zekiye Erdem from Istanbul Medipol University addressing "Ketogenic Diets: An Effective Strategy in the Fight Against Cancer?"
Post-cancer recovery process and palliative care topics will be addressed
On the second day of the congress, the first session will begin with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Arslan and Dr. Dyt. Tuğçe Aytulu as session chairs. Dr. Çisem Uzun from Uskudar University will present on "Re-adaptation to Social Life During Remission: Psycho-Social Support and Recovery Process," Specialist Dietitian Dilek Doğan from Adana City Hospital on "Nutritional Intervention During Remission: Safe and Effective Approaches," and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Yürüyen from Bakırköy Sadri Konuk Training and Research Hospital on "Improving Quality of Life and Symptom Management in Palliative Care."
In the special section titled "Case Presentation in Cancer Patients," Specialist Dietitian Handan Doğan Kavuştu from American Hospital, Specialist Dietitian Ceren Ergüden Soytürk from Koç University Hospital, and Dietitian Selin Zingil Türk from the Cancer Society will share the nutritional processes and encountered situations of cancer patients with participants, using examples from practice. The congress will conclude with oral paper and poster presentations by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Arslan and Asst. Prof. Dr. Sevan Çetin Özbek.
