Cancer Warriors Emphasize Early Diagnosis and Social Responsibility

“Breast Cancer Awareness Training” was held by the Faculty of Communication of Üsküdar University. During the event, the vital importance of early diagnosis in breast cancer, risk factors, strategies for creating public awareness in society, and social responsibility projects implemented in the fight against cancer were discussed by experts.

The event, held at Üsküdar University's Southern Campus Fuat Sezgin Conference Hall, was attended by Prof. Gül Esra Atalay, Dean of the Faculty of Communication at Üskülar University; Assoc. Prof. Cem Tutar, Head of the Cartoon and Animation Department at the Faculty of Communication, Üsküdar University; Dr. Belma Kurdoğlu Akgün, President of the Cancer Warriors Association; Nurse Specialist Ebru Dönmez Kanatlı, Sports Activities Coordinator of the Cancer Warriors Association; Dr. Berrin Aydın, Member of the Cancer Warriors Association; and Radiation Oncology Specialist Dr. Yıldız Keleş.   

Prof. Gül Esra Atalay: “It is very valuable for future communicators to be well-equipped in public health issues.”

Prof. Gül Esra Atalay, Dean of the Faculty of Communication at Üsküdar University, expressed her satisfaction with the collaboration carried out with the Cancer Warriors Association. Prof. Atalay emphasized the importance of communication students being aware of public health issues. Atalay said, “It is very valuable for future communicators to be well-equipped in public health issues.”

Assoc. Prof. Cem Tutar: “Actually, women’s problems are also men’s problems.” 

Assoc. Prof. Cem Tutar, Head of the Cartoon and Animation Department at Üsküdar University, who delivered the opening speech of the event, said; “I think breast cancer is very important. All of us have mothers, aunts, sisters, girlfriends, or will have. We are definitely side by side with women in some way. Actually, women’s problems are also men’s problems. Life is beautiful when shared, and we need to be informed to be by their side.” 

Dr. Belma Kurdoğlu Akgün: “Our primary goal is to increase disease awareness in society.” 

Dr. Belma Kurdoğlu Akgün, President of the Cancer Warriors Association, who defined the association's core mission as raising public awareness about early diagnosis and supporting diagnosed patients throughout their treatment journey, said; “The Cancer Warriors Association is a non-governmental organization, a patient association that supports individuals diagnosed with cancer throughout the process. We have two functions. One of them is to explain disease awareness in society by providing cancer education to healthy individuals like yourselves. The better we understand our bodies as individuals, the earlier we will recognize symptoms, leading to early diagnosis. Our second mission is to accompany diagnosed individuals on that journey from the moment of diagnosis and to address some of their needs that arise throughout that journey.” 

Distribution of Cancer Types by Age Groups Examined

Radiation Oncology Specialist Dr. Yıldız Keleş, speaking at the event, addressed the prevalence of breast cancer worldwide, its incidence in women, the vital importance of early diagnosis and KETEM screenings with the slogan “Know yourself, diagnose early,” genetic factors, hormonal changes, the effects of obesity and lifestyle on risk factors, and the distribution of cancer types according to age groups. 

Breast cancer awareness is increasing!

Dr. Berrin Aydın, a Member of the Cancer Warriors Association, speaking at the event, addressed awareness about breast cancer and general cancers, cancer formation mechanisms, the importance of early diagnosis, individual risk factors, healthy lifestyle habits, the effects of obesity and harmful habits, and breast examination methods.  

The Importance of Social Responsibility and Volunteering Emphasized 

Nurse Specialist Ebru Dönmez Kanatlı, Sports Activities Coordinator of the Cancer Warriors Association, who spoke at the event, addressed social responsibility projects in the fight against cancer, the importance of volunteering, awareness campaigns, donation and campaign processes, Onkobüs and wig projects, and creating social support through sports.

Practical training was provided

At the stand set up at the end of the event, practical training was provided on breast models, with Nurse Specialist Ebru Dönmez, one of the founding members of the Cancer Warriors Association, and 8 students from İstinye University's Nursing Department participating. Participants were practically shown self-breast examination and screening methods using breast models.