It All Starts with Awareness: Building a Healthier Future

“Everything Starts with Being Aware: Liv Hospital Raises Awareness for Breast Cancer in October

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the event “Everything Starts with Being Aware was organized in collaboration with Liv Hospital, Siveno, and Meva to increase public awareness about breast cancer and highlight the importance of early diagnosis.

The event, held at Liv Hospital, emphasized the role of annual health checkups in reducing breast cancer risks and featured discussions on how individuals can adapt and build resilience for a healthier future.

The opening speech was delivered by Meri İstiroti, Liv Hospital Group Coordinator. Presentations were given by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Tükenmez (Breast Surgery Specialist), Prof. Dr. Levhi Akın (General Surgery Specialist), and Prof. Dr. Duygu Derin (Medical Oncology Specialist), all highlighting the life-saving importance of early detection.

“Regular Checkups Are a Must

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Tükenmez stressed the critical role of early detection:

“Early diagnosis is life-saving. It prevents organ loss and can eliminate the need for treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Women must perform monthly self-examinations, undergo medical checkups, and have mammography screenings. Approximately 20,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in Türkiye last year alone. One in every 8“10 women will encounter this disease during her lifetime. Lifestyle factors such as obesity, inactivity, stress, and poor nutrition further increase risks. By exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing stress, we can lower breast cancer risk.

Exercise Reduces Risk

Prof. Dr. Duygu Derin emphasized lifestyle measures:

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, with one in every 6“8 women affected. Early screening can reduce mortality by up to 35%. Screenings starting at age 40 with mammography and ultrasound are vital. At least 150 minutes of exercise per week, combined with the Mediterranean diet, and avoiding alcohol and smoking, significantly lowers the risk.

“The Recovery Rate with Early Diagnosis is Over 95%

Prof. Dr. Levhi Akın shared important national statistics:

“In Türkiye, breast cancer accounts for 24% of all cancers in women, with a prevalence of around 10% in the female population. Early-stage diagnosis leads to over 95% recovery rates. Unfortunately, more than half of breast cancer cases in our country are diagnosed at later stages, reducing survival chances. While only 5“10% of breast cancers are hereditary, protective measures and early screenings remain the best way to safeguard women’s health.

Key Takeaway

The “Everything Starts with Being Aware event reinforced a powerful message: with regular checkups, early screenings, healthy lifestyles, and awareness, breast cancer is not only manageable but also highly curable in its early stages.