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This content was originally written in Turkish for children and is automatically translated into English using artificial intelligence.

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National Cancer Week

Last Updated: 02.04.2026

National Cancer Week is a special week held annually in April 1–7 in Türkiye, aimed at raising public awareness about cancer and emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis. First adopted in 1956 on the recommendation of the Cancer Research and Fight Organization, this week is now observed through various activities organized by health institutions and schools.


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What Is Cancer?

Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled division and multiplication of certain cells in the body, which gain the ability to spread to other tissues. While normal cells follow the body’s regulatory rules, cancer cells violate these rules and grow rapidly.


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Causes of Cancer and Prevention Methods

Approximately 90% of cancer cases are linked to environmental factors (lifestyle and external influences), while only 10% are due to genetic (inherited) factors. According to experts, between one third and half of all cancers can be prevented through healthy habits.

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Actions to protect against cancer:


Healthy Eating: Consume fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; avoid processed foods.
Physical Activity: Engage in regular movement and perform at least 150 minutes of exercise per week.
Avoid Harmful Habits: Refrain from tobacco and alcohol use.
Vaccination: Get vaccinated against viruses that cause certain types of cancer, such as cervical and liver cancer.
Sun Protection: Avoid prolonged and unprotected exposure to sunlight.


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Early Diagnosis Saves Lives

Detecting cancer at an early stage, before symptoms progress, significantly improves treatment success. In Türkiye, the Ministry of Health implements National Screening Programs that provide free screening services to specific age groups.


These screenings are conducted at Cancer Early Diagnosis, Screening and Education Centers (KETEM), Healthy Life Centers (SHM), and Family Health Centers (ASM).


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Cancer by the Numbers

  • Globally, 1 in every 5 people has a risk of developing cancer by age 75.
  • In Türkiye, cancer is the second leading cause of death after heart disease.
  • The most common cancer in men is lung cancer, while in women it is breast cancer.


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INSPIRATION NOTE FOR CURIOUS KIDS!

🤖 Technology and Artificial Intelligence: Today, scientists are able to make diagnoses much faster by using artificial intelligence and advanced medical technologies to detect cancer at an early stage.
🔍 Cellular Detective Work: Modern medicine can create personalized and targeted treatment plans by examining genetic changes within cells.
📚 The Power of Knowledge: Having accurate information about cancer enables us to make informed decisions that protect our loved ones and reduce fear.
🏃‍♂️ Healthy Choices: Exercising for at least 150 minutes per week and consuming antioxidant-rich vegetables protects our bodies like a fortress.
🩺 The Heroism of Early Detection: Recognizing changes in our bodies early and consulting a doctor almost always increases the chance of recovery.

Who Wrote?
Kids Writing
AuthorMiray GÜRApril 2, 2026
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National Cancer Week, observed annually in Türkiye between April 1 and 7 since 1956, aims to raise public awareness about cancer and emphasize the importance of early diagnosis. It is stressed that approximately 90-95 percent of cancer cases are linked to environmental factors, a significant portion of which can be prevented through healthy lifestyle habits. Throughout the week, free screenings for breast cancer are offered to women aged 40 to 69, cervical cancer screenings to women aged 30 to 65, and colorectal cancer screenings to all individuals aged 50 to 70 at centers such as KETEM, SHM and ASM, highlighting the life-saving role of early detection.

Bibliographies

Adana Valiliği. “İl Halk Sağlığı Müdürlüğü’nün 1-7 Nisan Ulusal Kanser Haftası ile İlgili Basın Bülteni.” 2016. Accessed April 1, 2026. https://www.adana.gov.tr/il-halk-sagligi-mudurlugunun-1-7-nisan-ulusal-kanser-haftasi-ile-ilgili-basin-bulteni

Anadolu Ajansı. “Sağlık Bakanlığından Ulusal Kanser Haftası Paylaşımı.” 2026. Accessed April 1, 2026. https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/saglik/saglik-bakanligindan-ulusal-kanser-haftasi-paylasimi/3525271

Istanbul Medipol University. "Ulusal Kanser Haftası." Medigen. 2021. Accessed April 1, 2026. https://medigen.medipol.edu.tr/ulusal-kanser-haftasi/

Küre Ansiklopedi. “Uluslararası Kanser Haftası (1-7 Nisan).” 2026. Accessed April 1, 2026. https://kureansiklopedi.com/tr/detay/uluslararasi-kanser-haftasi-1-7-nisan-5e3d8

Malkara İlçe National Education Directorate. "1–7 April National Cancer Week." Republic of Turkey Ministry of National Education, 2024. Accessed April 1, 2026. https://malkara.meb.gov.tr/www/1-7-nisan-ulusal-kanser-haftasi/icerik/1044

Ministry of Health of the Republic of Turkey, General Directorate of Public Health. “1–7 April National Cancer Week.” 2025. Accessed April 1, 2026. https://hsgm.saglik.gov.tr/tr/haberler-kanser/1-7-nisan-ulusal-kanser-haftasi.html

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