International Cancer Week (April 1–7)

National Cancer Week is an annual period held between April 1 and 7 in Türkiye, during which efforts to combat cancer, raise awareness and implement early detection strategies are addressed within an institutional framework.

Cancer Week is an awareness campaign organized to promote early diagnosis of cancer, increase public knowledge of treatment methods and strengthen healthy lifestyle habits. ^【1】

Between April 1 and 7, various activities including educational seminars, counseling initiatives and public awareness campaigns are conducted to increase public awareness about cancer, promote available health services and encourage participation in screening programs. ^【2】

^{International Cancer Week Symbol} (Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye)

These activities hold strategic importance in emphasizing the life-saving role of early detection in the fight against cancer. ^【3】

The process of raising awareness and interest in the fight against cancer in Türkiye is grounded in institutional foundations. Following a proposal by the Cancer Research and Fighting Organization, the period between April 1 and 7 has been officially recognized as "Cancer Week" since 1956. ^【4】Since then, activities conducted during this week aim to foster a societal response to a disease whose importance continues to grow at both national and global levels. ^【5】

Cancer is a disease characterized by cells that break free from normal cellular controls and proliferate uncontrollably. ^【6】This abnormal cell division can occur in any tissue or organ of the body. Key features of cancer cells include uncontrolled proliferation and the ability to invade surrounding tissues. ^【7】If left untreated, these cells spread to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis. At the metastatic stage, the likelihood of complete recovery is significantly reduced. ^【8】Genetic and epigenetic changes play a decisive role in this process. ^【9】

According to 2022 data from the World Health Organization, approximately 19.9 to 20 million new cancer cases are diagnosed annually worldwide, with nearly 9.7 to 10 million deaths attributed to the disease.^【10】

Globally, it is estimated that one in five people will develop cancer by age 75, and one in ten will die from it. The most common types of cancer worldwide are lung, breast and colorectal cancers. ^【11】

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Türkiye after cardiovascular diseases.^【12】According to Ministry of Health data, between 162,000 and 233,000 new cancer diagnoses are made annually in the country.^【13】In men, the most common cancers are lung, prostate, colorectal and bladder cancers; in women, breast, thyroid, colorectal, uterine and cervical cancers rank highest. Approximately 126,000 people die each year from this disease.^【14】

Approximately 90–95% of cancer cases arise due to environmental factors and lifestyle choices, while only 5–10% are attributable to genetic abnormalities. ^【15】Major environmental risk factors include tobacco and tobacco product use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, obesity, physical inactivity, radiation, chemical carcinogens and infections such as HPV and Hepatitis B. ^【16】Tobacco use is directly linked to lung cancer as well as cancers of the mouth, larynx, bladder and pancreas. ^【17】

It is estimated that 30–50% of cancers are preventable. ^【18】Prevention strategies include avoiding tobacco and alcohol, adopting a healthy and balanced diet (high in fiber, low in calories, avoiding processed foods), maintaining an ideal body weight and engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. ^【19】Consumption of antioxidant-rich foods such as broccoli, carrots and tomatoes, as well as fish and walnuts containing Omega-3, supports immune function. ^【20】Furthermore, widespread vaccination against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis B constitutes fundamental preventive approaches against cervical and liver cancers. ^【21】

^{Awareness Education in Classroom Setting} (Mustafa Mihriban Boysan Middle School)

Cancer screenings are conducted free of charge through Cancer Early Diagnosis, Screening and Education Centers (KETEM), Healthy Life Centers (SHM), Community Health Centers (TSM), Family Health Centers (ASM) and mobile screening units. Individuals with positive or suspicious screening results are referred to secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities for further diagnostic evaluation. ^【22】Patients diagnosed at an early stage have significantly higher treatment success rates and better quality of life compared to those diagnosed at later stages. ^【23】

Awareness activities are organized in educational institutions under local and national initiatives such as the Istanbul Student Councils Project. Student-created poster displays, viewing of educational videos and symbolic ribbon usage are among the key practices during this period. ^【24】Educational sessions conducted in school auditoriums and classrooms involve active participation from teachers and students. ^【25】

Awareness campaigns are disseminated to the general public through public service announcements broadcast on television, radio and in cinemas. Visual materials developed through collaboration between municipalities and the private sector are displayed in public spaces across Türkiye. These materials emphasize that early diagnosis saves lives and directly convey the message that health check-ups must not be neglected. ^【26】

Academic seminars and educational programs under the theme "Understanding and Preventing Cancer" are organized with support from universities and private sector stakeholders. Throughout April, these activities bring together young people from higher education institutions such as Bilgi University to deliver science-based information. Sponsored by private partners, these programs include expert presentations targeting diverse segments of society. ^【27】