Near East University Hospital aims to raise public awareness of cancer by highlighting the importance of early diagnosis with its “Breast Cancer Awareness Training Seminars” launched in public schools.

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October 1-31), the “Breast Cancer Awareness Training Seminars,” organized in collaboration with Near East University Hospital and the Cancer Patients Aid Association, have begun. The first of these seminars, which aim to highlight the importance of early diagnosis and raise public awareness of breast cancer, was held at the July 20 Science High School. The training, led by presentations by expert healthcare professionals, provided students and teachers with information about the symptoms of breast cancer, early diagnosis methods, and the vital importance of regular checkups. As part of the seminar program, which will continue throughout October, Near East University nurses will also meet with students from Demokrasi Secondary School, Bülent Ecevit Anatolian High School, Değirmenlik High School, Atleks Sanverler Secondary School, Sedat Simavi Industrial Vocational High School, and Lefkoşa Turkish High School.

At the first seminar held at the 20 July Science High School, Near East University Hospital Education Nurse Şenay Evren Öztaşlı provided information about the development of cancer, the symptoms of breast cancer, and the life-saving role of early diagnosis. In her presentation, which was age-appropriate for the students, Öztaşlı said, “We can detect early signs by taking a few minutes each month to perform a manual self-examination. A hard lump felt in the breast or armpit is the most common symptom. Remember, knowing your breast and noticing changes is the first step to protecting your health.”

Öztaşlı also touched on the protective effect of healthy lifestyle habits against cancer, saying, “Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, eat a balanced diet, and avoid smoking and alcohol. People your age need at least one hour of physical activity a day.” The seminar also provided a practical demonstration of how to perform a breast self-examination.

A Life Story: “Early Diagnosis Saved My Life!”
Şerife Yakut Türk, a history and social studies teacher at Demokrasi Secondary School, spoke at the seminar and shared her story of overcoming breast cancer thanks to early diagnosis with the students. Türk addressed the students, saying, “Please take this issue seriously, raise your awareness, and share it with those around you. I regained my life thanks to early diagnosis. Remember, your health is your greatest strength.”

Pervin Turan: “We will continue to organize informational seminars, screening programs, and educational events for different age groups.”
Near East University Hospital Head Nurse Pervin Turan said, “The information young people acquire about cancer today can be lifesaving for both themselves and their families in the future.” She emphasized the vital importance of awareness gained at a young age in the fight against cancer. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration in the fight against cancer, Turan said, “We are very pleased with this awareness project we are carrying out with the Cancer Patients Aid Association. Working together in every step that touches society is invaluable to us.”

Turan said, “The foundation of a healthy society depends on individuals knowing their own bodies, recognizing changes, and regularly attending checkups. As Near East University Hospital, we not only provide treatment services but also consider raising public health awareness to be one of our primary duties. In this context, we will continue to organize informational seminars, screening programs, and educational events for different age groups.”