Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU)  Faculty of Health Sciences Nursing Department carried out an online awareness training called “Early Detection and Screening of Cancer”  in National Cancer Awareness Week (April 1-7).

The training program within the scope of the “Public Health Nursing Intern Practice Course” was organized by the faculty members Prof. Dr. İlknur Aydın Avcı, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Birsen Altay, Asst. Prof. Figen Çavuşoğlu and Res. Asst. Emel Güven.

The event started with opening speeches, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Birsen Altay stated that they aim to make students be aware of social issues, and they are conducting studies on raising awareness of cancer in National Cancer Awareness Week.

Dr. Elif Özkaya, the Cancer Registration Unit director in Samsun Provincial Directorate of Health, mentioned the definition of cancer in education, ways of preventing cancer, cancer screening programs, and the activities carried out with the units involved in cancer screening in her presentation.

Dr. Elif Özkaya: “Woman should have a breast exam every month”

Dr. Elif Özkaya emphasized that cervical cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer can be screened, and said, “ It is very crucial for women between the ages of 20 and 40 to have a breast exam every month and a clinical breast exam every two years. Women age 40 to 69 should have a breast exam every month, a clinical breast examination once a year, and get mammograms every two years. “

Periodic tests and procedures

Dr. Elif Özkaya also emphasized that women between the ages of 30 and 65 should get a smear or HPV test every 5 years for cervical cancer, people between the ages of 50 and 70 should have a fecal occult blood test every 2 years for colorectal cancer, and a colonoscopy every 10 years. She reminded that there are district health directorates, community health centers, wellness centers, and family health centers in all districts, as well as Cancer Early Diagnosis Screening and Training Center (KETEM) regarding cancer screening and gave some details about the activities carried out under these centers.

At the end of the program, Prof. Dr. İlknur Aydın Avcı expressed her thanks to Dr. Özkaya, and she pointed out that cancer is one of the most critical health problems both in Turkey and in the world. Avcı also stated that free screening activities to prevent cancer are carried out effectively in our country, and all healthcare staff trained in this field are responsible for raising society’s awareness of cancer screening.

The training, attended by 98 people, was successfully completed.