As Kocaeli Health and Technology University, we organised a seminar, an awareness stand, and a practical workshop to highlight the importance of early detection in breast cancer. The seminar began with opening addresses by our Acting Rector, Prof. Dr. Bekir İnce, and Prof. Dr. Yurdanur Dikmen from our Faculty of Health Sciences. During the programme, Prof. Dr. Nihat Zafer Utkan, a specialist in surgical oncology, shared information on the incidence of breast cancer and methods of early detection, while Assist. Prof. Dr. Ebru Çalışkan from the Faculty of Health Sciences shared her personal experiences following her mother's breast cancer diagnosis.
The Breast Cancer Awareness Event, organised at our University under the theme “Early Detection Saves Lives”, brought together academics and students. The programme addressed the incidence of breast cancer, early detection methods, the importance of regular health screenings, and awareness of breast health.
By combining scientific information, personal experiences, and practical training, the event aimed to raise public awareness of breast cancer and promote greater understanding of preventive healthcare services.
Prof. Dr. Nihat Zafer Utkan Emphasised the Importance of Early Detection in Breast Cancer
Prof. Dr. Nihat Zafer Utkan, an experienced surgical oncology specialist who has practised medicine in Kocaeli for many years and was reported to be working at VM Medical Park Hospital, discussed scientific findings on breast cancer and early detection methods in his presentation entitled “Early Detection in Breast Cancer: What Do We Know, and What Can We Change?”
Referring to cancer research data from 2024 covering individuals aged 0–85, Utkan stated that breast cancer was among the most prominent types of cancer in women, while lung cancer was particularly prevalent among men.
Utkan explained that the incidence of breast cancer varies according to countries' levels of development, comparing incidence rates in less developed and developed countries. Drawing attention to the increasing trend in breast cancer cases, he emphasised the importance of early detection and regular screening programmes.
Utkan noted that mammography is an important screening method for detecting breast cancer at an early stage and stated that the amount of radiation exposure during the procedure is low. He also highlighted the significance of early detection in enabling timely initiation of treatment.
“I Learned That My Mother Had Breast Cancer on the Day I Put on My Academic Gown”
One of the most moving parts of the programme was the presentation delivered by Assist. Prof. Dr. Ebru Çalışkan from our University's Faculty of Health Sciences, during which she shared her personal experiences.
In her presentation entitled “The Day I Put on My Academic Gown: An Academic, a Daughter, and Early Detection – Sharing a Personal Experience”, Çalışkan described the day her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and the experiences her family went through.
Çalışkan explained that she learned of her mother's breast cancer diagnosis on the same day she wore her academic gown at our University, noting that an important milestone in her professional life coincided with distressing news about her mother's health.
She stated that her mother's illness had been detected at an early stage, allowing treatment to begin promptly.
Sharing her experiences not only as an academic but also as a daughter, Çalışkan demonstrated the importance of early detection not only from a medical perspective but also for patients and their families.
Her personal account highlighted the profound impact of early detection on people's lives and reinforced awareness of the importance of not neglecting regular health check-ups.
KETEM and Cancer Screening Programmes Introduced at the Breast Cancer Awareness Stand
As part of the event, a Breast Cancer Awareness Stand was established to provide information on breast health and early detection.
At the stand, participants received informative materials on breast health, while the services of Cancer Early Diagnosis, Screening and Training Centres (KETEM) and national cancer screening programmes were introduced.
The programme also featured an activity encouraging participants to send health-related messages to their loved ones, alongside various awareness initiatives highlighting the importance of early detection.
Awareness Reinforced Through a Practical Breast Health Workshop
As part of the Breast Cancer Awareness Event, participants received practical training on breast health during the “Practical Breast Health and Awareness Workshop”.
The workshop involved the use of breast examination simulators to help participants recognise potentially suspicious findings. The activities aimed to improve participants' knowledge and awareness of breast health.
The workshop emphasised the importance of developing an informed approach to breast health, recognising possible changes, and seeking medical advice from healthcare institutions when necessary.
A Collaborative Awareness Initiative by Academics and Student Clubs
The organisers of the Breast Cancer Awareness Event held at our University included Prof. Dr. Yurdanur Dikmen, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences; Assist. Prof. Dr. Ebru Çalışkan, Vice Dean; Assist. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Eminov, Head of the Department of Nursing; and Assist. Prof. Dr. Nida Efetürk, Academic Advisor in the Department of Nursing.
The Midwifery Club, Nursing Club, and Arts and Ideas Club were also among the student organisations that contributed to the event.
Bringing together scientific knowledge, personal experiences, and practical training, the programme was organised to strengthen awareness of early detection in breast cancer and promote greater public health awareness.
By integrating its academic expertise in healthcare with community awareness initiatives, our University aimed to contribute to greater understanding of preventive healthcare services, health literacy, and early detection.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When and where was the Breast Cancer Awareness Event held?
The Breast Cancer Awareness Event was held on November 9, 2026, at Kocaeli Health and Technology University. The programme included a seminar, an awareness stand, and a practical breast health workshop.
2. Why is early detection important in breast cancer?
Detecting breast cancer at an early stage can help ensure that treatment begins in a timely manner and that appropriate treatment options can be evaluated. Regular health check-ups and suitable screening programmes are therefore important.
3. Why is mammography used for the early detection of breast cancer?
Mammography is an imaging method that helps detect certain changes in breast tissue before symptoms become apparent. Using low-dose X-rays, mammography plays an important role in breast cancer screening.
4. Who were the speakers at the Breast Cancer Awareness Event?
Prof. Dr. Nihat Zafer Utkan, a specialist in surgical oncology, provided information on early detection and screening methods for breast cancer. Assist. Prof. Dr. Ebru Çalışkan from the Faculty of Health Sciences shared her personal experiences following her mother's breast cancer diagnosis.
5. What is KETEM, and what services does it provide?
Cancer Early Diagnosis, Screening and Training Centres (KETEM) are healthcare units that provide public information and awareness services concerning cancer screening and early detection. Within the scope of national cancer screening programmes, they offer screening and referral services to eligible individuals.
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