Speaking at a seminar held as part of National Cancer Week, Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality Co-Mayor Serra Bucak said that around 3,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in Diyarbakır each year, stressing that awareness-raising efforts are of vital importance in the face of this reality and should be expanded to districts and villages as well.
As part of National Cancer Week, observed from 1 to 7 April, Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality organised a seminar in cooperation with the Health and Social Service Workers’ Union (SES) Branch, the Foundation for Children with Leukaemia (LÖSEV), the Günışığı Cancer Association, the Diyarbakır Medical Chamber and the Diyarbakır Yeniden Yaşam Association for the Fight Against Cancer. The event aimed to share up-to-date information on cancer with residents and contribute to strengthening public awareness.
Held at the Ali Emiri Conference Hall under the leadership of the Department of Disability and Elderly Services, the seminar focused on early diagnosis in the fight against cancer, current treatment methods and psychosocial support. In addition to Co-Mayor Serra Bucak, the event was attended by Hatice Betül Çelebi, Co-Spokesperson of the Disability Commission of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), healthcare workers, representatives of civil society organisations and many residents.
Co-Mayor Bucak: There are regional disparities in access to healthcare
The programme was moderated by Yıldız Ok Orak, Co-Chair of the SES Branch. Delivering the opening speech, Co-Mayor Serra Bucak said that cancer is not only a health issue but has also become a public health problem because of barriers to access.
Stating that a rights-based health policy cannot be achieved under conditions where access to healthcare is not secured, Co-Mayor Bucak said: “We know that the fight against cancer is not an issue that can be reduced solely to treatment processes. There is a serious access problem in our region, as well as clear regional disparities in access. The inability to access healthcare in one’s mother tongue, the failure to meet healthcare needs, and the fact that barriers in this field have not been removed or turned into a matter of public policy only deepen these problems.”
‘Awareness-raising efforts are very important’
Sharing data from health organisations indicating that around 3,000 people in Diyarbakır are diagnosed with cancer each year, Co-Mayor Bucak said this once again demonstrated the importance of awareness-raising efforts. She added: “These efforts need to be expanded not only across the city centre, but also to districts and villages.”
‘The Social Taxi project will be expanded’
Co-Mayor Bucak said that the Department of Disability and Elderly Services has been carrying out a range of services in this field to reduce risks and raise awareness, and also referred to the Social Taxi project launched by the Metropolitan Municipality last year.
She said that, under the project, cancer patients are transported to hospitals in hygienic conditions. She added that the number of vehicles and routes could be increased in order to expand the Social Taxi service, and that a new model based on cooperation with taxi ranks across the city is also being planned.
Emphasising that they would continue their work with a people-oriented municipal approach, Co-Mayor Bucak said that services in this field would be maintained.
Call for a shared effort
Drawing attention to the work being carried out in the field of health, Co-Mayor Bucak underlined the importance of healthcare professionals who provide services in the mother tongue and maintain strong ties with the community. She said: “There are doctors and healthcare workers who have dedicated themselves to this field, provide services in the mother tongue, remain in communication around the clock, and have built strong ties with society. This is of great importance for the city. It is crucial that we join forces with all associations in our region that are devoted to public health and seek to bring this issue to society as a matter of rights and awareness.”
Current cancer treatments discussed
Following the opening remarks, Surgical Oncologist Bahri Çakabey delivered a presentation on recent developments in cancer treatment. Medical Oncologist Halis Yerlikaya also shared information on current cancer treatment methods and new approaches.
The programme also addressed the psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis on the individual and psycho-oncological interventions, presented by Psychotherapist Gülşen İlçin Araz. Alongside the information and introductory presentations, LÖSEV representative Dilara Özen informed participants about the organisation’s work.
The seminar concluded with a question-and-answer session.
