The project for increasing the awareness of breast cancer in Sultanbeyli district: Training of Trainer Course

Abstract

According to the data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women and holds a significant place in cancer-related mortality worldwide. In Turkey, the incidence of breast cancer has increased, rising from 24 per 100,000 in 1993 to approximately 50 per 100,000 in 2020. Early diagnosis is a critical factor in improving the success rate of breast cancer treatment. In this context, the regular implementation of screening methods such as breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE), and mammography is of great importance. However, Turkey's National Breast Cancer Screening Program, which targets women aged 40-69, faces challenges such as a lack of awareness and low screening participation rates. Since Sultanbeyli district is socioeconomically disadvantaged and experiences difficulties in accessing breast cancer screening programs, it has been selected as the pilot region for the "Breast Cancer Awareness Enhancement Project." The project was jointly developed by the Department of Public Health at Marmara University Faculty of Medicine and the Sultanbeyli District Health Directorate, supported by the Breast Health Association, and chosen as one of the projects funded by GILEAD’s 2024-2025 project competition. The project, implemented during the 2024-2025 period, aims to raise awareness among women about breast health, promote early detection methods, and increase participation in mammography screenings. Within the project’s duration, breast health education will be provided to 1,200 women and 100 family physicians. As part of the project, a training-of-trainers program was organized at the Sultanbeyli District Health Directorate to ensure that health care workers affiliated with the Directorate, who will manage, deliver standardized and effective training. Participants gained knowledge on breast health and risk factors, along with the ability to perform a standardized breast examination. Additionally, they acquired skills in creating a learning environment where participants feel comfortable and safe, use effective communication and presentation skills, use effective facilitative skills, provide opportunities for practical application of knowledge and skills, determine whether learners have met the learning objectives by giving and scoring knowledge evaluations, and skill evaluation. In conclusion, this project, designed to raise public awareness and increase early diagnosis rates, adopts a comprehensive approach that encompasses both health care professionals and women.