Pink Top Field Project

Pembe Top Sahada is a corporate social responsibility initiative launched in Türkiye to raise awareness of the life-saving importance of early detection of breast cancer and to empower women on this issue.

History and Objective

The project was initiated in 2014 through a collaboration between Anadolu Sağlık Merkezi Hastanesi and Anadolu Efes Spor Kulübü.

It is held annually throughout October, the month recognized worldwide as Breast Cancer Awareness Month under the banner "Breast Cancer Awareness Month". The primary aim of the project is to increase global awareness of breast cancer as a major public health concern and to 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 survival rates exceeding 90 percent, the central message of the project focuses on the life-saving role of early diagnosis life.

Pembe Top Sahada Against Breast Cancer (Anadolu Agency)

Partners and Supporters

The "Pembe Top Sahada" project has received support from various organizations in addition to its main partners, Anadolu Sağlık Merkezi Hastanesi (affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine) and Anadolu Efes Spor Kulübü. Boyner Group has been one of the project’s supporters, having joined the initiative to create awareness around breast cancer and providing support again in 2021 during the project’s eighth year. Boyner aimed to reach a wide audience by integrating awareness campaigns into its retail destinations and social media channels throughout October.

Implementation and Symbol

The project’s most recognized and symbolic activity is the use of a pink ball for the tip-off during an Anadolu Efes Spor Kulübü basketball match in the Turkish Basketball Super League or EuroLeague.

• Tip-Off Tradition: Since 2014, the project has been held 11 times, with the pink ball tip-off performed each year by renowned personalities 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.

Volunteer Supporters’ Awareness Messages for the "Pembe Top Sahada" Project (2014–2025)

2014 – Beren Saat:

Beren Saat, the project’s first volunteer supporter, 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 my voice helps raise awareness among all women on this issue. I am deeply honored to be part of this initiative.”^【2】

2016 – Sinem Kobal:

Sinem Kobal highlighted the significance of her involvement in raising awareness: “It is very rewarding to contribute to raising awareness about the importance of early diagnosis in breast cancer. I also believe it is crucial that men hear our message and support the fight against breast cancer.”^【3】

2017 – Elçin Sangu:

Elçin Sangu stressed the importance of regular screenings: “Regular breast examinations are extremely important for preventing breast cancer. It is a treatable disease when detected early. Every woman must pay close attention to her check-ups after a certain age.”^【4】

2018 – Özge Özpirinçci:

Özge Özpirinçci urged women not to avoid medical examinations: “Some of us avoid doctors because we are afraid, or we think ‘it won’t happen to me’ or ‘it will hurt.’ Today, let us remember that many of these check-ups are painless, free of charge, and most importantly, early diagnosis saves lives. We must never forget that small steps we take for the health of our loved ones can protect us from major problems.” 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 happiness at being able to remind women of the life-saving power of early detection: “Early diagnosis saves lives in breast cancer, the most common cancer among women. A single annual medical check-up is sufficient to ensure this. Supporting women to take this step and participate in this awareness campaign is extremely 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 from this moment on.”^【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 makes a huge difference to our well-being. Let us never forget: the more aware we are about breast cancer, the more likely early diagnosis becomes, and the greater our chances of successful treatment.”^【7】

2021 – Demet Özdemir:

Demet Özdemir said: “I am very happy to support such an important cause and hope I can encourage more women to take a step toward their health. Returning to the Anadolu Efes court, where I have appeared many times before, under the banner of Pembe Top Sahada 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 early diagnosis saves lives in breast cancer, which affects one in eight women. I invite every woman who hears my voice from the stands or screens to join this awareness campaign.”^【9】

2023 – Cansu Dere:

Cansu Dere expressed her delight in 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 the court with the pink ball to remind women that early diagnosis saves lives in this widespread disease and to encourage them to monitor their health. For women, especially after the age of 40, having a mammogram once a year and visiting a doctor are the most important steps. I find it deeply valuable to emphasize the importance of this simple yet life-saving action.”^【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 remind people that neglecting our health is, in effect, neglecting our lives and our loved ones.”^【11】

2025 – Birce Akalay:

Birce Akalay, the project’s 12th-year volunteer supporter, noted that early diagnosis can lead to survival rates exceeding 90 percent: “I have taken my place in this project to help spread this vital knowledge that saves lives. Let us never forget: we cannot stop time, but through regular check-ups, we can protect the time we spend with our loved ones.”^【12】