Pink Top Field Project

Pink Ball on Court is a corporate social responsibility initiative launched in Türkiye to highlight the life-saving importance of early detection of breast cancer and raise awareness among women.

The project was initiated in 2014 through a collaboration between Anadolu Health Center Hospital and Anadolu Efes Sports Club.

It is held annually throughout October, the month recognized worldwide as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The primary goal of the project is to increase awareness about breast cancer as a major public health issue on a global scale and encourage regular screenings.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with approximately 2.3 million new cases diagnosed each year. According to statistics, it affects one in eight women. Since early detection can lead to a survival rate exceeding 90 percent, the central message of the project focuses on the life-saving role of early diagnosis.

^{Pink Ball on Court Against Breast Cancer (}Anadolu Agency⁾

The Pink Ball on Court project has received support from various organizations in addition to its main partners, Anadolu Health Center Hospital (affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine) and Anadolu Efes Sports Club. Boyner Group has been one of the project’s supporters, aiming to create awareness about breast cancer, and provided support again in 2021 during the project’s eighth year. Boyner aimed to help reach a wider audience by integrating awareness campaigns into its retail destinations, promoting the initiative through its stores and social media channels throughout October.

The project’s most recognized and symbolic activity is the use of a pink ball for the tip-off during one of Anadolu Efes Sports Club’s Basketbol Süper Ligi or EuroLeague games.

• Tip-Off Tradition: Since 2014, the project has been held 11 times, with the pink ball tip-off performed each year by prominent public figures who serve as volunteer supporters of the initiative.

• Volunteer Supporters (Celebrities): Among the volunteer supporters who have performed the pink ball tip-off are Beren Saat, Bergüzar Korel, Sinem Kobal, Elçin Sangu, Özge Özpirinçci, Bensu Soral, Neslihan Atagül Doğulu, Demet Özdemir, Pınar Deniz, Cansu Dere, Çağla Şikel, and Birce Akalay.

2014 – Beren Saat:

As the project’s first volunteer supporter, Beren Saat emphasized the importance of early detection: “Breast cancer is a treatable disease when diagnosed early. Most importantly, women must undergo regular breast examinations and not neglect their check-ups.”^【1】

2015 – Bergüzar Korel:

Bergüzar Korel expressed her joy at supporting the project: “It is a fact that early diagnosis saves lives in breast cancer. As a woman, I hope to help all women become more aware of this issue. I am very happy to be part of this initiative.”^【2】

2016 – Sinem Kobal:

Sinem Kobal highlighted the significance of her involvement in raising awareness: “I am delighted that my support contributes to emphasizing the importance of early detection of breast cancer and raising awareness among women. I also believe it is essential that men hear our message and support the fight against breast cancer.”^【3】

2017 – Elçin Sangu:

Elçin Sangu stressed the importance of regular screenings: “It is extremely important for women to undergo regular breast examinations to protect themselves from breast cancer. It is a treatable disease when diagnosed early. Every woman should pay close attention to her check-ups after reaching a certain age.”^【4】

2018 – Özge Özpirinçci:

Özge Özpirinçci urged women not to avoid medical examinations: “Some of us avoid the doctor because we are afraid, others think ‘it won’t happen to me’ or ‘it will hurt.’ Today, we must remember that many of these check-ups are free, painless, and most importantly, early diagnosis saves lives. We must never forget that these small steps can protect us from serious health problems and allow us to live healthy lives with our loved ones.” Özpirinçci added: “I believe that with the support of men who value the health of women and their loved ones, we can make a significant difference in this awareness journey.”^【5】

2019 – Bensu Soral:

Bensu Soral expressed her happiness at being able to remind people that early diagnosis saves lives: “Early detection saves lives in breast cancer, the most common cancer among women, and visiting a doctor once a year is sufficient to achieve this. Supporting women to take steps for their health and participating in this awareness campaign is very valuable to me.” Soral urged: “I hope all women in Türkiye hear our call and make an annual medical check-up a regular part of their health routine.”^【6】

2020 – Neslihan Atagül Doğulu:

Neslihan Atagül Doğulu invited women to become proactive about their health: “Through this pink ball raised by my hands this year, I invite women to take charge of their health and act accordingly. An annual doctor’s visit can make a huge difference to our well-being. Let us not forget: the more aware we are about breast cancer, the more likely early diagnosis becomes, and the higher our chances of successful treatment.”^【7】

2021 – Demet Özdemir:

Demet Özdemir said: “I am very happy to support awareness for such an important issue, and I hope I can encourage more women to take a step toward their health. Returning to the Anadolu Efes court under the Pink Ball on Court project fills me with pride.”^【8】

2022 – Pınar Deniz:

Pınar Deniz called for greater awareness: “I performed the pink ball tip-off to remind all women that breast cancer affects one in eight and that early diagnosis saves lives. I invite every woman watching from the stands or on screen to join this awareness campaign.”^【9】

2023 – Cansu Dere:

Cansu Dere expressed her enthusiasm for supporting the project: “According to what I have learned, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Türkiye, accounting for 25 percent of all cancers. I will be on court with the pink ball to remind women that early detection saves lives in this widespread disease and to encourage them to monitor their health. For women, especially after age 40, annual mammograms and doctor visits are essential. I find it very valuable to emphasize the importance of this simple yet life-saving step.”^【10】

2024 – Çağla Şikel:

Çağla Şikel, drawing from her experiences, emphasized the need to listen to our bodies: “Over the years hosting numerous programs, I have interviewed countless doctors and specialists. The most important lesson I learned from them is that we must listen to our bodies and be attentive to our health. I will always stress that neglecting our health is, in effect, neglecting our lives and the lives of our loved ones.”^【11】

2025 – Birce Akalay:

As the 12th-year volunteer supporter of the project, Birce Akalay noted: “With early detection, survival rates for breast cancer can exceed 90 percent. I joined this project to help spread this vital knowledge. Let us remember: we cannot stop time, but through regular check-ups, we can protect the time we spend with our loved ones.”^【12】