Within the scope of “Prostate Cancer Awareness Month”, 898 people were given free PSA tests at Near East University Hospitals, and 100 risky patients were identified!
As part of the “Prostate Cancer Awareness Month” events held between March 1-31 in cooperation with Near East University Hospital and the Cancer Patients Assistance Association (KHYD), nearly a thousand people were given free PSA tests across the island. As a result of the tests performed, nearly 100 risky patients were identified and referred for examination for early diagnosis.
Near East University Hospitals, which provide services to patients with a multidisciplinary approach with advanced diagnosis and treatment opportunities, continue to support early diagnosis processes through collaborations with different segments of society. While cancer cases increase every year in the TRNC, early diagnosis and regular screenings are of great importance in controlling the disease. Especially in diseases such as prostate cancer, which may show symptoms late, early diagnosis significantly increases success level of treatments.
They set out for early diagnosis: Free PSA screening with Mobile Health Vehicle!
The screenings conducted at Near East University Hospital, Dr. Suat Günsel Kyrenia University Hospital and Near East University Yeniboğaziçi Hospital aimed to raise public awareness and increase awareness of early diagnosis. Blood samples were taken for PSA testing with Near East University’s mobile health vehicle at designated centers across the island. As part of the screening program that started at the Presidency, many men aged 40 and over were tested free of charge in the Parliament Building as well as in Kyrenia, Famagusta, İskele and Lefkoşa markets.
It turned out that 100 out of 900 people who participated in PSA screening were at risk!
PSA tests were performed on 350 people in the screenings conducted at Near East University Hospital in Lefkoşa as part of the awareness month. According to the test results, 48 people were determined to be at risk for prostate cancer and were referred for further examinations. In the tests conducted at Dr. Suat Günsel Kyrenia University Hospital, a total of 49 people underwent PSA screening and 4 risky patients were identified and referred for necessary health checks.
The most intense interest in the screening tests was in the Famagusta region. Approximately 500 people applied for the PSA tests undertaken by Near East University Yeniboğaziçi Hospital. 42 people were found to be at risk for prostate cancer and were referred to health centers.
Regular checkups save lives!
Reminding that prostate cancer is a disease that progresses ‘silently’, especially since it does not show symptoms in its early stages, and becomes difficult to treat when diagnosed late, Near East University Hospital Chief Physician Prof. Dr. Müjdat Salih Balkan said, “This is why the regular checkups and early diagnosis are of vital importance in the successful treatment of the disease. We are pleased to have directed nearly 100 risky individuals to health institutions with the chance of early diagnosis by performing free PSA tests on 898 people with the screening program we carried out throughout March.” Near East University Yeniboğaziçi Hospital Yeniboğaziçi Chief Physician Prof. Dr. Aşkın Ali Korkmaz said, “Thanks to the screenings we conducted throughout the country with our mobile health vehicle, we were able to reach many citizens who had difficulty in accessing health services.” Dr. Suat Günsel Kyrenia University Hospital Chief Physician Prof. Dr. Nail Bulakbaşı also emphasized that in the fight against cancer, not only treatment but also awareness and social consciousness are at least as important as treatment. Prof. Dr. Bulakbaşı said, “I would like to thank all my colleagues who took part in this important screening campaign.”
