Pink steps toward a healthier future: Breast cancer awareness walk

Breast cancer is among the most common types of cancer in women, and early detection plays a crucial role in improving outcomes. To raise awareness of breast cancer and highlight the importance of a healthy lifestyle and regular physical activity, Medipol Health Group organized a special event as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed from October 1 to 31, and World Walking Day. Healthcare professionals and physicians gathered at Bebek Park in the early morning, wearing pink T-shirts as they walked along the Bosphorus.

AWARENESS SHOULD EXTEND THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Prof. Mehmet Fatih Kılıçlı, Specialist in Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, emphasized the importance of using different communication channels and social activities to reach the public. He said, “Breast cancer is a very common type of cancer. To reach people, we need to make use of social settings and activities. Walking is one of them.”

Assoc. Prof. Pelin Basım, Breast Surgery Specialist, said, “In fact, awareness should not be limited to a single month; it should extend throughout the entire year. However, this month provides an important opportunity for us to reach the public more effectively.”



EMPHASIS ON EARLY DETECTION AND REGULAR SCREENING
Assoc. Prof. Sinan Ferahman, Breast Surgery Specialist, said that hundreds of women, men, and children participated in the walk despite the early hour on a Sunday morning. Emphasizing that the event aimed to contribute to the early detection of the disease, Ferahman said, “Our ultimate goal is for breast cancer to be detected earlier and for deaths from breast cancer to become a thing of the past.”

Assoc. Prof. Ayşe İrem Yasin, Medical Oncology Specialist, also issued a call to women: “I encourage all women over the age of 40 to have their mammograms. Do not neglect your regular check-ups. Remember, early detection saves lives.”

Prof. Ayşegül Akdoğan Gemici, Radiology Specialist, emphasized the importance of participating in screening programs, noting that early detection facilitates treatment and has a positive impact on patient survival.

THE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF WALKING
Assist. Prof. Gökhan Özkoçak, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist, highlighted the role of regular walking in maintaining muscle strength and bone health. He said, “As life expectancy continues to increase, maintaining both muscle strength and bone health should be considered essential.”

Clinical Psychologist Elif Pehlivan noted that early detection can also help patients manage the psychological aspects of the disease process. She said, “When our minds understand a process, we are better able to manage it. Early detection can make a process as distressing as cancer more familiar and manageable.”



PINK BALLOONS RELEASED TO RAISE AWARENESS
The early-morning walk, held under the message “We Walk for a Healthier Future” took place against the backdrop of the Bosphorus. At the end of the event, pink balloons, a symbol of breast cancer awareness, were released into the sky.