The “Conscious Steps to Cope with Cancer” seminar, organized by Near East University Faculty of Dentistry and Near East University Faculty of Health Sciences in cooperation with Dikmen Municipality, was held with intense participation.

In the seminar, in which Dikmen Mayor Yüksel Çelebi also participated, the fight against cancer and public health issues were discussed and information was given about encouraging a healthy lifestyle and ways to cope with cancer. Additionally, it was aimed to raise the awareness of the participants by making presentations on important topics such as“Self-Examination in 7 Steps for Oral Cancers”, “Breast Cancer Awareness”, “Foods Friendly and Foe to Cancer” and “Is Cancer Our Destiny?”.

The opening speech was made by Prof. Dr. Murat Özgören from Near East University Faculty of Medicine. Near East University Faculty of Dentistry, Head of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Department, Prof. Dr. Seçil Aksoy, Near East University Faculty of Health Sciences, Head of Midwifery Department, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Filiz Yarıcı, Assist. Prof. Dr. Taygun Dayı from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences and Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Adile Öniz Özgören made presentations. Following the presentations, a certificate of appreciation was given to the speakers by Dikmen Mayor Yüksel Çelebi.

Prof. Dr. Murat Özgören emphasized the importance of awareness in the fight against cancer. Stating that our body consists of many molecules and that DNA is actually the strongest among biological molecules, Prof. Dr. Murat Özgören stated that DNA can also become fragile over time and such situations can lead to cancer. Prof. Dr. Murat Özgören also stated that cancer is actually an internal process : “Early diagnosis is very important in the fight against cancer. Therefore, we must be individuals who can observe ourselves. Self-awareness plays a critical role in health.”

Watch out for oral wounds!

In the first presentation at the seminar; Near East University Faculty of Dentistry, Head of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Department, Prof. Dr. Seçil Aksoy shared important information about preventing oral cancer. Referring to risk factors, Prof. Dr. Aksoy emphasized that it is vital for individuals to examine themselves. Prof. Dr. Aksoy recommended that the head and neck area should be scanned manually and the inside of the mouth should be checked. Prof. Dr. Aksoy pointed out that it is necessary to consult a doctor in case of symptoms such as wounds in the mouth that do not go away for a long time, difficult swallowing, hoarseness and a mass in the neck.

Participate in cancer screenings!

Near East University Faculty of Health Sciences Head of Midwifery Department Assoc. Prof. Dr. Filiz Yarıcı made warnings about breast cancer. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yarıcı stated that one in every four women has cancer and one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yarıcı recommended participating in the free cancer screening tests of the Ministry of Health and stated that the risk of cancer increases with age. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Filiz Yarici also spoke on the impact of many factors on breast cancer, such as family history, genetic structure, breastfeeding period and menstruation. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Filiz Yarıcı emphasized that it is very important for individuals to perform manual examinations regularly every month.

Limit consumption of fatty, salty and sugary foods!

Assist. Prof. Dr. Taygun Amca from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, in his presentation, shared information about cancer and nutrients. Amca stated that fatty, salty and sugary foods should be avoided. Assist. Prof. Dr. Uncle Taygun stated that consumption of such foods should be moderate. In addition, he emphasized that very cold or very hot foods are risky for health and that the temperature setting should be balanced. Assist. Prof. Dr. Taygun Amca stated that vegetables, fruits and legumes should be consumed more frequently in the diet, and red meat should be limited to one or two portions per week.

Manage your stress correctly!

In the last presentation of the seminar, Prof. Dr. Adile Öniz Özgören emphasized that many genetic and environmental factors affect cancer, but with developing technology and science, early diagnosis is easier and more accessible and treatments are just as effective. Referring to the importance of prevention, early diagnosis and treatment processes, Prof. Dr. Adile Öniz Özgören stated that management of stress factors as well as nutrition, activity, environmental factors (polluted air, heavy metals, etc.) is also important in the fight against cancers. Coping with cancer has many steps; importance of acting in harmony with his family, close friends and the doctors to receive support from, are important in fighting against cancer.