Common Misconceptions About Cancer Risk and Screening

Misconceptions About Cancer Risk and Screening Amgen Turkey launched the final phase of the 'Together We Are Stronger' campaign in Turkey to shed light on critical women's health issues including bone health, cardiovascular health and cancer. Women rely heavily on health information obtained from family members and friends. The campaign aims to facilitate these conversations, enhance them, and provide easily understandable health information and tools to enable women to become stronger together on their journeys to healthier lives. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people globally have missed or delayed appointments, making awareness-raising among women particularly important. According to research conducted in the United States, delays in diagnosis and treatment have had the greatest impact in the cancer field. The research shows sharp declines in cancer screening – reaching 87% for breast cancer and 84% for cervical cancer – and medical oncologists report increased rates of advanced-stage disease among patients presenting to them. ^[i]. In this situation, diagnosis can only be made to women at a later stage and consequently, critical time windows for treatment are lost. Güldem Berkman, General Manager of Amgen Turkey and Gensenta, commented on the matter as follows: "Particularly during this period when awareness and control are of critical importance, we are committed to supporting women with the information and tools needed to discuss fundamental health topics. We encourage women to return to check-ups in the safest way possible to have their health monitored. Protecting our health is everyone's responsibility and we can only prevent a potential secondary health crisis following the pandemic by working together," she said. Dr. Aylin Löle, Founder of Awen For Us, said: "Helping women determine their cancer risk and encourage cancer screening will benefit them and inspire others to advocate for themselves in an area where early diagnosis and prevention are of critical importance. At a time when public health seriously affects how we lead our lives, we are pleased to support the 'Together We Are Stronger' campaign to encourage women." In a survey conducted with over 300 women, it was found that women are generally aware of the impact of cancer, but are not particularly inclined to take proactive steps to reduce risk factors.

'Together We Are Stronger' Survey Findings^[ii]

1. When the subject is cancer, Turkish women worry most about how difficult cancer treatment will be (95%):Furthermore, three out of four women without cancer say they worry most about the impact of a cancer diagnosis on their loved ones (93%).⁴
2. Cancer is a leading topic in conversations between women and doctors in Turkey:According to national data; breast and thyroid cancers are the most common cancers diagnosed among women in Turkey.^[iii] However, among those who did not discuss cancer with their doctors, it is reported that doctors did not raise the topic (50%) or did not have sufficient time to discuss cancer during their appointments (34%).⁴
3. There are some positive signs regarding screening for women's cancers:One in two women screened were screened due to experiencing a specific health problem that prompted their screening (50%).⁴
4. Women use their social circles to discuss their general health and wellbeing:Most women in all age groups (74%) discuss cancer with friends and family. ⁴
5. Women say conversations with friends will promote behaviour change regarding screening:Most women surveyed (54%) state that if a friend or family member discussed having a cancer screening, this would substantially increase the likelihood of their undergoing cancer screening.⁴

Women should encourage themselves and their social circles to take proactive steps, including discussing lifestyle changes and ways to reduce cancer risk factors with their doctors. The campaign invites women to participate in a new physical activity in the Breakout Challenge to help improve their health and to share photos and videos through social media using the #BirlikteGüçlüyüz hashtag.