Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality continued to provide comprehensive health screenings and practical training sessions across the city centre and districts. Led by the Department of Women’s Policies, these initiatives aimed to facilitate women’s access to healthcare from a gender equality perspective. A range of events were organised across six districts and numerous neighbourhoods, attracting strong participation from women.

The Importance of Early Detection and Screening

The latest event in the programme was held at Koşuyolu Women’s Life Centre. The seminar, attended by specialist breast radiologist Dr Derya Deniz Altıntaş, focused on the importance of early detection of breast cancer.

In her presentation, Altıntaş said that breast radiologists and early detection were key factors in determining the course of treatment. Explaining the importance of early detection, she said: “Early detection means identifying a lump before it can be felt by hand. Breast self-examination is very valuable, but sometimes it may be too late by the time a lump can be detected through touch. What matters is attending medical check-ups and having regular screenings.”

Pain Alone Is Not a Reliable Indicator

Altıntaş challenged the widely held belief that “if there is pain, there is nothing to worry about”, stressing that pain alone was not a reliable indicator. She emphasised that people with a family history of cancer and those aged over 40 should attend medical check-ups. She also noted that breast cancer has several different types and that treatment methods vary accordingly.

Following the presentation, women had the opportunity to ask questions about issues they were curious about, share their healthcare experiences and discuss the precautions they should take.