Bayer Türkiye Holds Event with KAÇUV

Bayer Türkiye organized an event for its employees on 15 February Children's Cancer Day in collaboration with the Hope Foundation for Sick Children (KAÇUV) to raise awareness about cancer types seen in children. At the event, which was attended by Prof. Dr. Rejin Kebudi, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Specialist at the Istanbul University Oncology Institute, General Secretary of the International Pediatric Oncology Society, and Chairman of the Association for Love and Solidarity for Childhood Cancers (ÇOKSEV), and Prof. Dr. Tülin Tiraje Celkan, Board Member of the Hope Foundation for Sick Children (KAÇUV) and Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Specialist, information was shared about the current status of childhood cancers globally and in Turkey, and employees' questions were answered.

"80 percent of children diagnosed with cancer worldwide are showing recovery"

Speaking at the event and emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis, Prof. Dr. Rejin Kebudi, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Specialist at the Istanbul University Oncology Institute and General Secretary of the International Pediatric Oncology Society, drew attention to the fact that cancer affects countries both socially and economically. Kebudi continued as follows: "According to the World Health Organization's 2022 reports, 20 million cancer cases and 9.7 million cancer-related deaths were reported globally. While screening tests in adults allow some cancers to be detected quickly, unfortunately this is not possible in children. At this point, it is crucial for parents to properly identify early signs and symptoms in children. Approximately 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year worldwide. Today, 80 percent of children diagnosed with cancer in North America and Western Europe can achieve complete recovery. This is a very high rate. However, the chances of success in treatment also vary depending on which country the child was born in. While children diagnosed with cancer in developed countries show 80 percent recovery rates, this rate can drop to 20 percent in some countries. Today, the recovery rate for cancer patients in Turkey has reached 71 percent, and in some of our centers such as Istanbul University, it has reached 80 percent. In a study conducted by the International Pediatric Oncology Society together with the World Health Organization, the goal is to increase survival in six types of tumors in which success rates can be very high in developed countries to at least 60 percent by 2030 in developing countries as well. As a society, we need to support these patients and their families. In this regard, civil society organizations also make significant contributions."

"Turkey is one of the world's best centers in this field; our treatment success rate increases every year"

Noting that childhood cancers are rare, Prof. Dr. Tülin Tiraje Celkan, Board Member of the Hope Foundation for Sick Children (KAÇUV) and Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Specialist, said: "While approximately 3,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year in Turkey, we are able to reach about 2,000 of these children. Among the most common types of cancer in children, blood cancers rank first. Between 2009 and 2022 in Turkey, approximately 30 percent of 30,000 cases diagnosed with cancer consisted of acute leukemias. Lymphomas, which can be detected through diagnosis and testing, rank second. However, in recent years, we have begun to see brain tumors more frequently instead of lymphomas. Our success rate increases every year. We are able to save 1 out of every 5 children from these diseases. Turkey is in a very good position in the treatment of childhood cancers. We are one of the best centers in the world. Among the symptoms of cancer in children are cavities and bleeding, unexplained fatigue, weakness, headache, vomiting, prolonged fever, weight loss, unexpected swelling, pain in bones and joints, and shining of the pupils like a cat's eye, among other symptoms. Children should not be tired and weak. A healthy child is always in motion. If your child is playing, running, jumping, do not worry," he explained. Following the event, Bayer Türkiye employees participated in an origami crane workshop supported by KAÇUV to raise awareness and boost motivation by drawing attention to the life story of Sadako Sasaki, the global symbol of childhood cancer, and Sadako's struggle to hold on to life through the paper cranes she made.