An event organized by the Near East University Cancer Genetics Research Center as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month addressed the challenges encountered in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, including surgical and pathological assessment processes, as well as difficulties in accessing cancer medications. Bringing together experts from various fields, the event explored potential solutions and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.
In the fight against breast cancer, overcoming the obstacles patients face, from the initial diagnosis through the course of their treatment, is just as critical as early detection and effective medical intervention. The event, titled “Challenges and Proposed Solutions in Breast Cancer: From Diagnosis to Treatment”, was organized by the Near East University Cancer Genetics Research Center for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and brought various stages of this journey to the forefront with the participation of experts.
Moderated by Prof. Dr. Gamze Mocan, Dean of the Near East University Faculty of Medicine, the event examined topics such as early diagnosis, treatment planning, surgical interventions, pathological examinations, and access to cancer drugs from the perspectives of different medical specialties. The opening address for the well-attended event was delivered by Assist. Prof. Dr. Burak Durmaz, a faculty member in the Department of Medical Biochemistry at the Near East University Faculty of Medicine.
Addressing the full spectrum of challenges in breast cancer, from diagnosis to accessing medication
During the event, which provided a comprehensive assessment of the difficulties encountered throughout the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, professionals from various fields shared their experiences and proposed solutions.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ömer Diker and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Polat Olgun, in their presentation titled “Fundamental Problems Encountered in Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment and the Search for Solutions”, addressed the difficulties encountered in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Prof. Dr. Hasan Besim, in his presentation titled “Problems Encountered in Breast Cancer Surgical Treatment”, focused on the problems encountered in surgical interventions, while Dr. Hatice Germen Ünverdi, in her presentation titled “Breast Tumors: The Pathologist’s Path to Diagnosis”, evaluated the role of pathological examinations in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Pharmacist Birşen Günsel, in her presentation titled “Problems Experienced in the Process of Obtaining and Delivering Cancer Medications to Patients”, brought to light the difficulties experienced from the procurement of medications to their delivery to patients.
In the event, which brought together different perspectives of experts, the importance of addressing the fight against breast cancer as a whole, encompassing diagnosis, treatment, and access to medications, was highlighted, emphasizing that it is not limited solely to medical interventions.
Assist. Prof. Dr. Burak Durmaz: “We will expand our studies that bring together different areas of expertise in cancer research.”
In his opening speech at the event, Assist. Prof. Dr. Burak Durmaz, a faculty member of the Department of Medical Biochemistry at Near East University Faculty of Medicine, stated that the Cancer and Genetics Research Center has achieved significant scientific productivity in a short time. Assist. Prof. Dr. Durmaz stated that projects supported by TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye) and BAP (Scientific Research Projects unit) have been implemented within the center, and 15 papers have been published in international scientific journals. He further noted that the student community, organized into seven working groups, has grown to include over 140 active members.
Emphasizing the importance of direct student participation in scientific research and laboratory work, Assist. Prof. Dr. Durmaz highlighted that the center provides collaborative research opportunities for both faculty members and students.
Describing the event, held as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as the beginning of the center’s public awareness initiatives, Assist. Prof. Dr. Durmaz said, “A complex disease like breast cancer requires the collaboration of many specialized fields. Thus, we believe it is crucial to address the challenges encountered from diagnosis to treatment by incorporating contributions from various disciplines. We view this event as the first step toward our multidisciplinary cancer symposia. In the coming period, we aim to organize more comprehensive events that encompass a wider range of clinical and surgical specialties.”
Assist. Prof. Dr. Durmaz also noted that the center aims to foster scientific collaborations in cancer research, emphasizing that it remains open to joint projects with all academic units within the university as well as with external institutions. Inviting students with an interest in scientific research to join the center’s activities, Assist. Prof. Dr. Durmaz affirmed that they will continue their efforts to strengthen cancer research, develop new projects, and increase scientific output.
