IGU’s World Cancer Day Statement: “Cancer Is Not Destiny”

Cancer continues to be a major public health issue both worldwide and in Türkiye today. Alongside cardiovascular diseases, it remains one of the most common causes of death, yet it is still often perceived by society as a disease that is “feared but not spoken about.” However, scientific evidence shows that a significant portion of cancers can be prevented and, when diagnosed early, can be treated successfully. Asst. Prof. Nurten Elkin, Public Health Specialist and faculty member at the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) at Istanbul Gelisim University, emphasized the vital importance of early diagnosis and prevention in her statements for World Cancer Day.

Cancer Remains One of the Most Significant Public Health Problems

Elkin highlighted that cancer is among the most common causes of death both globally and in Türkiye, noting that the disease is still often avoided in public discussions:
“Today, cancer, together with cardiovascular diseases, ranks among the most common causes of death. Yet, a significant portion of cancers are preventable, and when diagnosed early, they are treatable. Cancer is a group of diseases that arise from the uncontrolled proliferation of cells. The primary factors behind the increasing incidence of cancer today include longer life expectancy, environmental factors, tobacco use, unhealthy nutrition, and sedentary lifestyles.”

Early Diagnosis Is the Key to Effective Cancer Treatment

Elkin stated that early diagnosis plays a decisive role in cancer control, directly influencing both survival rates and treatment success:
“The most critical concept in the fight against cancer is early diagnosis. Many types of cancer can be completely cured when detected at an early stage, whereas late diagnosis makes treatment more difficult and shortens life expectancy.”
Stressing that screening programs should not be postponed, Elkin listed the key early detection methods:
“Regular mammography for breast cancer, Pap smear and HPV testing for cervical cancer, fecal occult blood test and colonoscopy for colorectal cancer, and PSA monitoring at appropriate ages for prostate cancer are life-saving screening tools. The thought of ‘I have no symptoms’ should never be a reason to delay screening.”

The Fight Against Cancer Begins Before Treatment

Elkin emphasized that when cancer is mentioned, society often thinks only of treatment methods, but modern medicine has transformed this perspective:
“When people think of cancer, they usually associate it with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and large hospitals. However, modern medicine clearly demonstrates this: the fight against cancer begins before the disease appears. Family health centers are the most important healthcare units that can identify individuals’ lifestyle-related risks and consistently provide preventive services.”

It Is Possible to Prevent Cancer

Elkin pointed out that scientific data clearly shows cancer prevention is possible and stressed the high proportion of preventable cancers:
“Scientific evidence indicates that approximately 30-50% of cancers are preventable. Prevention is achieved through lifestyle modifications. Avoiding tobacco products, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a balanced and healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, keeping a healthy weight, protecting oneself from harmful UV exposure, and not neglecting vaccines for vaccine-preventable cancers (HPV, Hepatitis B) can significantly reduce cancer risk.”

KETEM Centers Form the Backbone of Early Diagnosis

Addressing cancer-screening initiatives in Türkiye, Asst. Prof. Nurten Elkin underscored the essential role of KETEM centers in early detection:
“In Türkiye, the backbone of cancer-screening services is formed by KETEM (Cancer Early Diagnosis, Screening, and Training Centers). KETEM centers provide free and regular screening services coordinated by the Ministry of Health. For breast cancer, women aged 40-69 receive mammography every two years; for cervical cancer, women aged 30-65 receive HPV testing every five years; and for colorectal cancer, men and women aged 50-70 receive fecal occult blood testing every two years.”

“Awareness Truly Saves Lives”

Concluding her statements, Elkin emphasized the importance of public awareness and summarized the core message of cancer prevention:
“The fight against cancer does not begin after the disease appears but before it occurs. Regular check-ups, participation in screening programs, and access to accurate information are the cornerstones of this effort. Cancer is not destiny. With awareness, early diagnosis, and prevention, the course of this disease can be changed. Because awareness truly saves lives.”