Ankara Targets Over 1 Million Cancer Screenings in 2026
Ankara, April 10 – The Ankara Provincial Health Director, Ali Niyazi Kurtcebe, announced that the province aims to conduct over 1 million cancer screenings this year, significantly increasing the target from approximately 900,000 screenings performed in the previous year. This ambitious goal is part of ongoing efforts to combat cancer, which remains a significant public health concern globally and in Turkey.
Cancer: A Major Public Health Challenge
Kurtcebe highlighted that cancer ranks as the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular diseases. He emphasized that many types of cancer are preventable through early detection and screening. “We continue our work with the slogan ‘Don’t be afraid of cancer, be afraid of being late,'” Kurtcebe stated.
Comprehensive Screening Programs
Ankara’s screening programs focus on three primary cancer types:
- Cervical Cancer: Screenings are offered to women aged 30-65.
- Breast Cancer: Screenings are conducted for women aged 40-70.
- Colorectal Cancer: Both men and women are screened using the fecal occult blood test.
These screenings are carried out across 22 Cancer Early Diagnosis, Screening, and Education Centers (KETEM) in Ankara. Additionally, Healthy Life Centers provide preventive health services, and citizens are directed to these centers through family health units. Screenings are also available at hospitals, district health directorates, and community health centers.
Reaching the Community: Mobile Screening Units
To ensure wider access, screening services are brought directly to citizens in various locations. These include shopping malls, parks, mosque exits, and organized industrial zones. Kurtcebe noted that in the first three months of the year, 250,000 screenings have already been completed, putting them well on track to reach the 1 million target by year-end.
Follow-up and Treatment
For individuals with positive screening results, advanced examinations and treatment processes are managed at city hospitals and training and research hospitals. Kurtcebe assured that the entire process, from screening to treatment, is meticulously followed up. An SMS notification system is also in place to reach eligible age groups, thereby increasing awareness.
Addressing Risk Factors and Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
Kurtcebe underlined that tobacco use is the most significant risk factor for lung cancer. In response, the number of smoking cessation clinics has been increased, and inspections regarding smoking bans in enclosed spaces have been intensified. He also drew attention to the link between colorectal cancers and obesity, advocating for healthy eating and physical activity.
Ankara: A Hub for Healthcare
Ankara stands as a major health city and one of Turkey’s most important health bases. Kurtcebe highlighted the presence of two large city hospitals, each with a capacity of 4,050 beds, which serve not only Ankara but also surrounding provinces, the entire Turkish geography, and even international patients. These facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by highly qualified academics and health professionals.
Last year, public hospitals in Ankara conducted nearly 40 million examinations, with approximately 15 million taking place at the Ankara Bilkent and Etlik city hospitals. The city also recorded over 1 million hospitalizations and surgeries. Approximately 20-25% of patients come from outside Ankara, underscoring the city’s role as a regional healthcare provider.
Public hospitals in Ankara receive an average of 160,000 applications daily. Around 100,000 MHRS appointments are made available daily, with about 80% being filled. The remaining patients are seen through walk-in applications. Approximately 20% of applications are for emergencies. Specialised hospitals in cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, and oncology provide services to the entire region, with patients traveling from across Turkey for treatments in areas like oncology and chest diseases.
With a total bed capacity exceeding 24,000 across public, private, and university hospitals, Ankara effectively maintains its health services.
Source: trthaber.com
