The seminar titled “Conscious Steps on the Road to Coping with Cancer” organized by the 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, which was also attended by Dikmen Mayor Yüksel Çelebi, information was given on the fight against cancer and public health issues, promoting a healthy lifestyle and ways to cope with cancer. In addition, presentations on important topics such as “7 Steps to Self-Examination for Oral Cancers”, “Breast Cancer Awareness”, “Cancer Friendly and Enemy Foods” and “Is Cancer Our Destiny?” were made to raise awareness of the participants.

In the seminar moderated and opened by Prof. Dr. Murat Özgören from the Faculty of Medicine of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Seçil Aksoy, Head of the Department of Oral, Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology of the Faculty of Dentistry of Near East University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Filiz Yarıcı, Head of the Department of Midwifery of the Faculty of Health Sciences of Near East University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taygun Dayı from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Prof. Dr. Adile Öniz Özgören, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences made presentations. After the presentations, Dikmen Mayor Yüksel Çelebi presented certificates of appreciation to the speakers.

Opening the seminar, Prof. Dr. Murat Özgören from Near East University Faculty of Medicine emphasized the importance of awareness in the fight against cancer. Stating that our body consists of many molecules and that DNA is actually the most robust among biological molecules, Prof. Dr. Murat Özgören stated that DNA can also become fragile over time and that such situations can lead to cancer. Stating that cancer is actually an internal process, Prof. Dr. Murat Özgören said, “Early diagnosis is very important in the fight against cancer. Therefore, we should be individuals who can observe themselves. Personal awareness plays a critical role in terms of health.”

Attention to oral lesions!

In the first presentation of the seminar, Prof. Dr. Seçil Aksoy, Head of the Department of Oral, Dental and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Near East University, shared important information on oral cancer prevention. Referring to the risk factors, Prof. Dr. Aksoy emphasized that it is vital for individuals to examine themselves. Suggesting that the head and neck area should be scanned by hand 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 sores 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. Stating that one in every 4 women is diagnosed with cancer and one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 3 minutes, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yarıcı suggested participating in the free cancer screening tests of the Ministry of Health. Stating that the risk of cancer increases with age, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Filiz Yarıcı mentioned that many factors such as family history, genetic structure, breastfeeding period and menstruation affect breast cancer. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Filiz Yarıcı underlined that it is very important for individuals to perform regular manual examinations every month.

Limit consumption of fatty, salty and sugary foods!

Assist. Assoc. Prof. Taygun Dayı from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences shared information about cancer and nutrients in his third presentation. Stating that fatty, salty and sugary foods should be avoided, Assist. Assoc. Prof. Taygun Dayı stated that the consumption of such foods should be in moderation. In addition, emphasizing that too cold or too hot foods are risky for health and that the temperature should be balanced, Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taygun Dayı stated that vegetables, fruits and legumes should be consumed more frequently and red meat should be limited to one or two servings 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 the developing technology and science, early diagnosis is easier, more accessible and treatments are just as effective. Stressing the importance of prevention, early diagnosis and treatment processes, Prof. Dr. Adile Öniz Özgören stated that nutrition, activity, environmental factors (polluted air, heavy metals, etc.) as well as managing stress factors are also important in the fight against cancers. She emphasized that coping with cancer has many pillars and that the individual as well as his/her family, close friends and the physicians he/she receives support from should act in harmony.