The symposium began with the Turkish National Anthem, followed by a musical performance. During the opening session, speeches were delivered by Director of Nursing Services Türkan Hayta, Head of the Division of Medical Oncology at PAU Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. Gamze Gököz Doğu, Chief Physician of PAU Hospitals Prof. Dr. Hakan Alkan, and Dean of PAU Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Sevgi Özkan.

In her speech, Director of Nursing Services Türkan Hayta stated:

“As a woman, through what I have observed among people close to me, my friends, and my patients, I know very well the anxiety caused by breast cancer and the profound impact it has on a woman's body, mind, and life. Breast cancer is not merely a medical diagnosis or a psychological process; it is a comprehensive and deeply human experience that affects every aspect of a woman's life.

As a nurse, I know all too well those first moments of contact at the patient's bedside and the efforts we make to transform the anxiety in our patients' eyes into hope. Now, as Director of Nursing Services, I carry the responsibility of turning this struggle into institutional awareness and knowledge. Together with my team, we take pride in taking steps that reach, educate, and inform the community.

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, we carried out meaningful activities at our hospitals. We raised awareness and informed the public. Early diagnosis saves lives. Awareness touches lives. Solidarity strengthens this struggle.

I would like to thank everyone who contributed to organising our symposium and wish everyone a productive and inspiring event.”

In her speech, Head of the Division of Medical Oncology at PAU Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. Gamze Gököz Doğu said:

“Today, we are all here together to raise awareness about breast cancer. We have gathered not only to share our knowledge but also to question misconceptions, remind people of the importance of early diagnosis, and show that we stand alongside those affected by this disease.

Behind every diagnosis, there is a person, a family, and a life that we want to see continue. Awareness may be made visible through a pink ribbon, but its true meaning is reflected in our everyday actions. Accessing accurate information, participating in screening programmes, taking changes seriously, and consulting healthcare professionals when necessary are therefore extremely important.

Early diagnosis not only helps extend life expectancy but also contributes to preserving quality of life by making less extensive treatments possible.

Let us leave here today not only with new knowledge but also with the decision to take action. Let us share what we have learned with a friend. If there is a health check-up we have been postponing, let us make it happen. Let us listen to the experiences of people living with breast cancer and stand by them.

Because awareness is not simply about knowing; it is about turning what we know into actions and attitudes. I sincerely believe that, through the power of knowledge, early diagnosis, and solidarity, we can build a healthier and more hopeful future.”

Chief Physician of PAU Hospitals Prof. Dr. Hakan Alkan emphasised the following in his speech:

“As we all know, breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women and one of the cancers that receives the greatest public awareness. First and foremost, we as physicians must not see patients merely as patients; we must see them as individuals. Therefore, as the name of our symposium suggests, this requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Cancer is an issue that requires the collaboration of specialists working across different stages of diagnosis and treatment, including radiology, nuclear medicine, pathology, general surgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and nursing services. It is an area that requires a multidisciplinary approach.

As the Office of the Chief Physician, we always strive to contribute to the processes requested of us within this approach. As PAU Hospitals, we do not serve Denizli alone; we also operate as a regional hospital providing healthcare services to neighbouring provinces.

I would like to thank everyone involved, particularly the symposium's organising committee, and wish the symposium every success.”

Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Sevgi Özkan also stated in her speech:

“In today's world, where scientific developments are progressing rapidly, sharing knowledge, bringing different perspectives together, and developing joint solutions are more valuable than ever. This is because the fight against breast cancer involves not only treating the disease but also preserving an individual's quality of life, supporting their psychosocial well-being, and ensuring that patients feel safe, understood, and valued throughout the care process.

Today, we are gathered here not only to share our scientific knowledge but also to emphasise the importance of protecting life, strengthening hope, putting science at the service of humanity, and reinforcing our shared responsibility in healthcare.

I hope this symposium will serve as a productive platform that not only facilitates the sharing of scientific knowledge and experience but also strengthens interprofessional communication, develops a sense of shared responsibility, and brings new perspectives to patient care.”

Following the opening speeches, the symposium continued with its first session under the main theme “An Overview of Breast Cancer.” During this session, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sevda Yılmaz delivered a presentation entitled “Risk Factors for Breast Cancer and the Importance of Breast Self-Examination”; Prof. Dr. Gamze Gököz Doğu presented “Myths and Facts About Breast Cancer: The Difference Awareness Makes”; Prof. Dr. Nuran A. Sabir Akkoyunlu discussed “How Is Early Diagnosis and Screening for Breast Cancer Conducted, and What Should We Do?”; and Ayşegül Çimentepe, a Chemotherapy Education Nurse in Medical Oncology, delivered a presentation entitled “A Letter to Myself: The Breast Cancer Story Behind the Identity of a Nurse.”

The second session was held under the main theme “Breast Cancer Awareness from the Perspective of Healthcare Professionals.” During this session, Assist. Prof. Dr. Filiz Kabu Hergül presented “Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours to Prevent Breast Cancer”; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fadime Gök discussed “Principles of Preoperative Care for Patients Diagnosed with Breast Cancer”; Assist. Prof. Dr. Ayla Yavuz Karamanoğlu presented “Principles of Postoperative Care for Patients Diagnosed with Breast Cancer”; and Gülhan Kart shared “Patient Experience: The Experience of a Participant Living Through the Breast Cancer Journey (Live Presentation).” Medical Oncology Chemotherapy Nurses Fatmagül Odabaş and Zehra Dersal also delivered a presentation entitled “The Diary of a Medical Oncology Nurse: The Unseen Side of Care.”