“One Touch Can Save a Life”: American Hospital Puts Early Detection in the Spotlight with Breast Cancer Awareness Panel

MEDICENTER TV / ISTANBUL, TÜRKİYE

Clinicians urge earlier awareness—and action

Marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, American Hospital hosted a public panel underscoring the life-saving impact of early detection under the theme “One Touch Can Save a Life.” Attendees heard up-to-date guidance on screening, diagnosis and treatment while experiencing a program that blended the healing power of science and the arts.

Breast surgeon Prof. Dr. Abdullah İğci opened the event by calling for awareness at younger ages. “One in 8–10 women face breast cancer in their lifetime, and risk increases with age,” he said. “While incidence peaks between 50 and 60, about 18% of cases in Türkiye occur under age 40. That is why early education for younger women matters.”

Personalized care replaces one-size-fits-all

Moderating the discussion, surgical oncologist Prof. Dr. Hasan Karanlık emphasized a shift toward individualized treatment plans. “There is no single template anymore,” he noted. “Radiology, pathology, surgery, medical and radiation oncology must work together to tailor care.” He highlighted the Breast Health and Diseases Department’s integrated digital infrastructure, which coordinates the entire pathway—screening, diagnostics, therapy and follow-up—under one roof.

According to Karanlık, newer modalities—including intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT)—are improving the patient experience. “Delivering radiation in a single session during surgery can shorten timelines and enhance comfort without compromising outcomes,” he said.

‘One Touch’ message: screening and self-exam save lives

Specialists from American Hospital’s Breast Health and Diseases Department—Prof. Dr. Nil Molinas Mandel, Prof. Dr. Burcu Çelet Özden, Prof. Dr. Can Atalay, Prof. Dr. Ece Dilege, Prof. Dr. Nilgün Kapucuoğlu, Prof. Dr. Şeyda Gündüz, Prof. Dr. Yasemin Atagün, Dr. Kerim Kaban, Dr. Umut Altunoğlu and Dr. Hayedeh Aktürk—stressed the power of routine clinical exams and self-awareness. Their shared message: detecting changes early markedly improves survival and reduces the need for aggressive treatments. Regular checks, appropriate imaging at recommended intervals, and simple monthly breast self-exams remain the strongest first steps.

Where medicine meets the arts

The program also featured acclaimed actor Selçuk Yöntem and pianist Ece Dağıstan, whose performances punctuated clinical talks with moments of reflection and solidarity. The artistic segment, organizers said, aimed to make health messages more memorable and to honor patients’ lived experiences throughout diagnosis and recovery.

A single, integrated hub for breast health

American Hospital presented its expanded Breast Health and Diseases Department at its new location, designed to streamline care. A multidisciplinary team—including radiologists, surgeons, pathologists, medical and radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine specialists, plastic surgeons, physiatrists and psychologists—reviews each case jointly to build a personalized plan.

The department’s digital backbone integrates imaging (from ultrasound to tomosynthesis), pathology, and surgical notes, enabling faster decisions and clearer communication among teams. According to the hospital, the model reduces duplicate testing, shortens time to treatment and supports shared decision-making with patients and families.

Why earlier—and smarter—detection matters

Globally, survival rates are highest when breast cancer is found at an early stage. Experts at the panel reiterated that age- and risk-appropriate screening should be paired with lifestyle awareness, genetic counseling when indicated, and prompt evaluation of any new symptoms or breast changes. The “One Touch” theme dovetailed with this strategy—encouraging women to become familiar with their own baseline and to seek care swiftly when something feels different.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues, American Hospital’s call was clear: consistent screening, informed choices and coordinated, patient-centered care are the cornerstones of better outcomes. Or as Prof. İğci summed up, “Early detection saves lives—and everyone has a role in making it happen.”

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