Breast cancer awareness training for the employees of Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality

Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality organized a training for its employees within the scope of the events for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place from October 1 to 31.

During the training, information was provided on topics related to early diagnosis, from the vitamins that can be obtained from plants that prevent breast cancer to other relevant subjects.

Dr. Serpil Kara, Head of the Health and Social Services Department of Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality, provided information about the disease during the training organized for “Breast Cancer Awareness Month.” Dr. Serpil Kara emphasized that early diagnosis is much more life-saving compared to other types of cancer, highlighting the importance of self-examination for early detection.

“It is possible to prevent cancer”

Stating that according to last year’s data, one in eight women is at risk of developing breast cancer, Dr. Kara mentioned that this year’s rate has increased to one in seven women. To raise awareness and prevent breast cancer, Dr. Kara indicated the need to consume vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, ginger, Brussels sprouts, sunflower seeds, sesame, and cabbage, and to take vitamins such as selenium, iodine, A, D, E, C, and K in necessary amounts. Providing various information including making tea from pomegranate and citrus peels, Dr. Serpil Kara said, “We should stay away from devices like phones, computers, and tablets as much as possible. We should eat healthy foods like our ancestors did and avoid packaged foods.”

“Early diagnosis saves lives”

According to cancer data from 2022, Dr. Kara stated that breast cancer is the most common cancer risk for women worldwide, and when looking at both genders, the risk of breast cancer remains the highest. He attributed the fact that, despite the high risk of developing cancer, the mortality rate is in second place to early diagnosis. Dr. Serpil Kara mentioned that breast cancer diagnosis is much easier if attention is paid compared to other types of cancer, stating, “While the risk of breast cancer is higher for women over 40, we must not forget that women aged 25-40 also carry risks. In this context, it is very important for individuals to perform self-examinations for early diagnosis.”

The participant Kader Engin said, “The training was very good. Our department head explained it very well. We became quite aware and learned things I didn’t know.”

Police officer Emel Eren stated, “Early diagnosis is very important in breast cancer. Not every woman performs this examination in front of a mirror; they might not know how. Sometimes we act unconsciously. Such training should be more frequent and widespread for everyone.”

Staff member Gülşen Orhan expressed, “I really liked this training. We want these types of training to continue. Therefore, for our health, for ourselves, it is necessary to have education and to raise awareness.”

Feride Akbıyık Şimşek appreciated the encouragement and awareness-raising for early diagnosis among women, saying, “It is wonderful for us to be made aware in both education and nutrition.”

Şebnem Şara mentioned that she gained a lot of knowledge from the training, stating, “This training is very valuable for us, especially for women.”