Meva%20Logo%20İng

Address : Türkiye Meme Vakfı,  Operatör Raifbey Sokak No 26/3 Şişli İstanbul, Türkiye
Phone     : 90 212 232 69 42
Fax   : 90 212 219 86 46
e-mail     : info@memekanseri.org
Web  : www.memekanseri.org

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Turkish Breast Cancer Foundation was founded on November 24, 1998 according to the Turkish Civil Code, sub-division no 903 with serial number 1998/571E, 1998/433. The Foundation’s incorporation had also been established with registry no 421533-369115 of The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce.

The Executive Committee consists of 5 members, President Can Gurbuz, M.D. (General Surgeon); Dr Dilara Nuzumlali (neurologist); Rifat Kayral (accountant); Dr Latif Abik,. (Family physician):Dr Miurat Atay (General Surgeon)

The Turkish Breast Cancer Foundation started evident target-based activity as of May 2000 together with the diagnostic centre. Success in repetitive media coverage has brought the foundation clearly into public view with the beginning of the year 2002.

Mission
Aim
Objectives
Major Activities

The Turkish Breast Cancer  Foundation emphasizes quality assurance in all services. The foundation is approved for a project  “The European Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Mammography Screening in Turkey” by The European Commission, which is conducted by Leuvens University Belgium that started at the end of 2002. The screening standards have reached up to match EU criteria, which is a pioneering sample, and the one and only center that is certified in Turkey.

AWARENESS ACTIVITIES

Awareness education is the main target of the organization. Seminars and conferences are held in offices and factories where female employment is the majority, Mainly visual aids and leaflets about breast cancer are distributed during these activities.

A signature campaign was organized for the declaration of “Every Woman Has The Right To Pursue Better Breast Health Care” in the major malls of Istanbul. This led to considerable media coverage, both on TV and newspapers.

A panel on “Women’s Health Care” was held on March 8th 2000, “International Women’s Day” in coordination with Istanbul Yeditepe University.  A professor of this university, a very well known woman journalist and also the President of BCF were the lecturers. The main aim was to reach young university students whose mothers were the target group. The event stirred a lot of interest and questions among young students.

SUPPORT FOR CA PATIENTS AND SURVIVORS

Every two months get-togethers were held at the organization’s office for breast survivors. During these free meetings each time a different professional was invited to discuss different subjects like “What is breast cancer, Personal hygiene after mastectomy, Physical exercises and breast cancer, Prophylaxis of lymphedema, Nutritional principles for breast health, Psychological problems in breast cancer, Relaxation training, etc”.

In November 2000 Prof Dr Zelikowsky from Tel Aviv, Israel (who is one of the most distinguished academicians working on lymphedema management) was invited for a conference in Istanbul. This attracted a vast audience of over 250 women, and the conference was followed by free examination by Prof Zelikowsky to patients in need until evening. Thus, initiated a lymphedema unit in BCF`s Health Unit , using the equipment designed by Prof Zelikowsky and known worldwide.  

In 2002, a large private company became a sponsor to print information pamphlets to be distributed freely to create awareness about breast cancer.  These information brochures contributed to raise the level of understanding as well as providing useful information to the general public.

In November 2004, ”Surviving Breast Cancer” Symposium was organized for survivors and professionals. It was free and open to public. 3 specialists were invited from Israel and discussed all aspects of life following breast cancer diagnosis, which was met with astonishing interaction and enthusiasm by the over 300 attendants. The second day of the symposium was allocated to a Lymphedema Workshop, the first ever of its kind in Turkey, where 26 therapists received an elementary, basic training on the correct approach to managing lymphedema. Since this event, an increasing number of lymphedema patients have been applying to the center, searching for treatment in this irritating condition which they were told to be beyond help.

INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS AND ACTIVITIES

Turkish Breast Cancer Foundation was invited to participate in the “European Union Platform” together with 200 other non-governmental organizations coordinated by the Turkish Economic Development Foundation and represented Turkey in issues regarding breast cancer at the joint meeting of Turkish non-governmental organizations and their European Union counterparts on 24th of March 2002.

A boat-cruise on the Bosphorus, was organized as a special event. Here the aim was to present Europe Donna in Turkey, which is a very eminent NGO, formed by the women in

the EU working on breast cancer advocacy.  BCF was attending Europa Donna Pan-European Meetings in observer status for 3 years and as soon as The Turkish Ministry of Internal Affairs authorized the Breast Disease Coalition Society, which is affiliated to the foundation, became an official voting member.

The project “Fashion Targets Breast Cancer” developed by the American Fashion Designers Association had been in operation in Argentina, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Greece. This project was launched in Turkey in collaboration with BCF on 17th of December 2002.  Clothing which has a common logo representing the project targets have been designed by the leading fashion designers and are promoted to raise awareness by non-governmental organizations working on Breast Cancer in these countries. FTBC project was re launched in Turkey in 2007.

Since the year 2000 the Breast Cancer Foundation of Turkey, has been collaborating with the Monastery Center for Disease Prevention, Panagia Philanthropini, Ormylia, in the field of Breast Cancer Screening.  United by the common concern for the underprivileged women in both respective societies, BCF has benefited from the exchange of experiences especially in the framework of the “Hellenic Aid Program” of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Of special importance is the high quality of educational faculty that the Center has recruited for the continuing education of our Foundation’s technical staff, which gives BCF the opportunity to develop consultations and further technical assistance from premier scientists in the field such as Professor Philip Kivitz who is the Senior Inspector for Mammography Units in the USA. 

Beyond the technical training offered by the Hellenic Aid Project for Turkey, the support of free mammography for economically disadvantaged women from Istanbul and the surrounding areas is a tangible projection of Goodwill from the Foreign Ministry of Greece toward the people of Turkey.  This is especially true given that at last years inauguration event, a “Greek Night”, members of the upper strata of Turkish society attended, together with His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomeos and His Excellencie the Greek Ambassador and the venerable General Consulate in Istanbul.

FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES

The campaign “For Our Mothers” which was initiated in 2001, in coordination with Mr. Bony Salis in memory of his mother, resulted in an accumulation of $45.000. This and the valuable supports of Siemens enabled the organization to set up the mammography unit, named “Victorya Salis Diagnostic Center”.

On May 2003, a breast ultrasound diagnosis machine was bought with 40.000 Euros donated by Mr. Mehmet Baldudak, in memory of his mother. With this donation the “Meliha Baldudak Ultrasound Diagnosis Center” was established to provide services.

On December 2003, a bone density measurement device was bought with the donations of Mr. Mehmet Baldudak in memory of his mother. “Meliha Baldudak Ultrasound Bone Density Measurement Center” was established and started providing services besides keeping the cost of mammography screening as low as possible for women. And with the help of the income generated from this Center, the organization started providing free mammography screening for underprivileged women.

To help meet the needs of people affected by cancer, Turkish film actress Filiz Akın patronized the Lance Armstrong’s LIVESTRONG Campaign in Turkey to support The Breast Cancer Foundation . She received incredible support from the Turkish society and as a result nearly 1 million yellow bracelets were sold at Migros markets. With the funds raised from this campaign BCF was able to provide a high tech ultrasound machine for the center and also over 3000 women was reached trough free screening.

In September 2007, Mr Boni Salis attended the Berlin Marathon in order to raise funds for foundations in Turkey. Thanks to Mr Salis’s and his Marathon Project, 10,035 YTL is donated to BCF. Through this contribution free mammography will be carried out for disadvantaged women with no income and social security. In addition, surgical treatment will be provided for the ones diagnosed with cancer. Since the beginning of the project, 2 patients had breast surgery. The operation was carried out by a voluntary surgeon and all hospital and pathology expenses were covered by the project.

FREE SCREENING ACTIVITIES

Low-cost screening program has being carried out since 2002. However free screening started during the week of 8 March 2003 on World Women’s Day. 2000 women were screened for breast cancer free of charge with the collaboration and support of Avon, Fuji, and Siemens in Turkey.

BCF initiated a project in collaboration with the Municipality of Metropolitan Istanbul to screen 1500 women free of charge during the months of September and December 2004. Since then nearly 5000 underprivileged women have been screened in collaboration with local municipalities of Istanbul and NGOs dealing with women. This activity is still in progress and supported by individual and cooperate donors.

PUBLICATIONS

The sources of valid information about breast health are scarce in Turkey. BCF with the intention of providing good quality, comprehensive information prepared a detailed book in layman’s language on Frequently Asked Questions on Breast Cancer. 

The Breast Cancer Foundation of Turkey started a nation wide awareness campaign in Turkey called “Farkındayım-Korkmuyorum” (I’m aware – Not afraid) in May 2006. Since then the foundation is initiating effective activities to take place within the campaign to promote breast cancer awareness in Turkey, with the following objectives:

About the campaign

Public awareness campaigns and their activities have an important role within health promotion as they can be a source of education and information, an opportunity to engage with the public, provide a call to action and be a catalyst for changes in attitudes and behaviour.

It is certain that in creating the highest impact, exciting activities can achieve the best results. Media plays an important role. Throughout the campaign the Foundation will perform creative communication and fundraising activities and make use of every tool in order to maximize the attention to the key message, such as ;

TV / Press / Radio
The key message
Breast cancer is not a fearful illness if it is early diagnosed through mammography.

Other support messages
Target groups
Potential donors
Communication tone
Methods of contribution
The campaign can be supported corporately or individually. Through the following activities;

The fund raising and awareness tool - “The Awareness Kit”

2007- Present

ACTIVITY REPORT

The organization carried out all activities through the awareness campaign. The campaign was designed to start off with no budget or funding. Since May 2006 creative and communicative work has been successfully accomplished through voluntary support.

Key messages were integrated into popular TV series which creates impact on general public while collaborating with prominent women writers and women magazines that help in raising awareness.

MEDIA SUPPORT

2007 was the year of collaboration with media groups, TV and radio channels in order to maximize the attention to the key messages. TV Advertisements were available on 4 national TV channels. (Attached Media Report)

COLLABORATION / PARTNERSHIP FOR FUNDRAISING AND AWARENESS

RADIO PINK 104.2

Turkey’s first radio for women gave support to the campaign. Radio spots carrying the key messages were published at least 5 times a day and twice a month someone related with the organization would attend programs. During this partnership Radio Pink offered free mammography for its 80 listeners over age 40.

ROTARY

During 2007 The Avcılar Rotary Club organized free mammography for over 200 underprivileged women. The project will continue.

FOOTBALL FEDERATION

Within the campaign 3 derby clubs ( Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe ve Beşiktaş) gave support to the cause. In 3 derby match the players carried 10m long banner just at the opening of each game with the key message “Mammography saves lives – I’m aware, not afraid.

AMERICAN LIFE – AIG

AIG introduced the Female Cancer Insurance that provides special protection against cancers that are unique to women.  Types of cancer covered under this policy include breast cancer, cervical cancer, and ovarian cancer. BCFT will receive 5 USD from each insurance policy.

SHAYA

Shaya is a company in Turkey that brings many youthful, dynamic and distinctive brands together and introduces to the Turkish consumer. The company supported our campaign by placing and selling the awareness kits at 15 department stores.

LAURA BRASSE

One of the leading under wear company supported the campaign by saving 5% from each product that was sold through the web site.

DOGAEVI ORGANIC PRODUCTS

The company is the distributor of the NATRACARE branded products in Turkey. As their cooperate social responsibility the company provides the 3% of the profit from each product for breast awareness.

RECKITT BENCKISER

The famous hosehold product company prurchased 80.000 Awareness kits for their promotional activity.

CHANNEL D (KanalD)

One of the major media group in Turkey, Channel D became the cooperate communications sponsor for the campaign. Through advertisement spots and programs the campaign was supported by means of communication.

LEVENT YUKSEL ISTANBUL & ANKARA CONCERTS

Well known singer and musician Levent Yuksel’s concert was held in Istanbul on 21st March. He appeared voluntarily and 2000 people attended the awareness night. The amount raised from the concert provided free mammography for 1000 underprivileged women. Besides the main sponsor SIEMENS , Istanbul Municipality Anadolu Sigorta, Kanal D, Anadolu Sağlık Merkezi, Argos İletişim ve Radyo Pink’in İD İletişim, ABS Alçı Sanayi, Mudo, Radyo D ve Es Voleybol gave support. The second concert was held in Ankara on 9th September with the Rotary Club. 5000 people were at the open air theater at Hacettepe University. The amount raised from the concert provided free mammography for another 1000 underprivileged women.

D&R STORES

One of Turkey’s largest book and music store D&R, supported the campaign by providing widespread sales opportunity for the Awareness Kits at 59 stores.

GLOBAL PROJECTS AND INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES

ATIL KUTOĞLU “Fashion Targets Breast Cancer”

Breast Cancer Foundation of Turkey (BCFT) reactivated the FTBC project in June with the worldwide known Turkish designer Atil Kutoglu

Fashion Targets Breast Cancer (FTBC), is a globally charitable initiative of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) to raise public awareness and funds for the breast cancer cause.

Atil Kutoglu has been presenting his collections with fashion shows at the New York Fashion Week. So the FTBC t-shirt was introduced to the world media by Lydia Hearst in New York at the Fashion Week in February 2007.

The influence of Orient is always present in Atil Kutoglu´s collections. Therefore the t-shirts were specially designed with moon and star (symbols of the Turkish flag) besides the FTBC logo. BCF acted as retailer and received voluntary consultancy and service from a textile firm, S&G for material quality, printing, sizing and manufacturing.

“Beymen”, a high quality retailer with 5 department stores in 3 big cities, supported the project as the sales venue. Paxar sponsored for labeling and production of hangtags. At first stage 1000 t-shirts were manufactured. The 919 t-shirts and mini dresses were on sale at Beymen stores by the end of June. Prices ranged from $ 22 - $ 52.

By the end of August 635 product were sold. Total income was about $ 24.600.

That is; $ 10.150 were raised from the 1st phase for awareness activities for the foundation.

29-30 SEPTEMBER 2007 - “IGNITE THE PROMISE:  GLOBAL ADVOCATE SUMMIT”

BCFT attended and presented the I’m aware – Not afraid campaign at the “Ignite the Promise: Global Advocate Summit” in Budapest, Hungary, which was organized by Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, the summit paired breast cancer advocates with their counterparts from 30 countries. The overarching goals for holding this international summit was to elevate the dialogue on breast cancer's global impact and to share the strategies used to combat breast cancer in delegates’ local communities.

BREAST CANCER SCREENING

Breast Cancer Foundation of Turkey continued free screening in 2007 in collaboration with NGO’s and Municipalities. A total number of 1456 underprivileged women received free mammography in 2007.

TARGET GROUP EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND SEMINARS

KADIR HAS UNIVERSITY

In collaboration with the Rezzan Has Foundation, an awareness seminar was organized to deliver breast health and breast cancer related information for university students. Celebrities and Rotary Club representatives who are supporters of the campaign were present . Students were able to ask questions about early detection and risk factors.

CITIBANK

In April 2008 a seminar was held about breast health, breast cancer and the importance of early detection at CITIBANK Headquarters in Istanbul. 80 female employees participated and the company matched 1 underprivileged woman’s mammography fee for each employee and made a donation.

BREAST HEALTH EDUCATION PROJECT

BREAST CANCER PEER EDUCATION PROGRAM

The Breast Cancer Peer Education Program is designed by The Breast Cancer Foundation to increase awareness for breast health and breast cancer risk factors relevant to teens. The program is created as a peer education single lesson module targeted to teens. The educator groups are provided from Health Colleges.

For the “Pilot phase” Validebağ Anadolu Sağlık Meslek Lisesi (Health College) students were trained by the BCF and provided with visual aids and tools . They will reach 1200 girls at 2 high schools in the Uskudar area in Istanbul during April and May 2008. the indirect target group is over 5000 women related to the students.

BCF is in need of a sponsor n order to implement the program nation wide at state schools.

CITIBANK BREAST HEALTH PANEL-March 26, 2008

Awareness education is the main target of the organization. Seminars and conferences are held in offices and factories where female employment is the majority, Mainly visual aids and leaflets about breast cancer are distributed during these activities. Two panels,focusing on ‘Breast Health and Breast Cancer’ were organised for the employees of Citibank Private Consumer Banking Department,under the context of the Turkish Breast Foundation’s ‘I’m Aware and Not Afraid’ campaign.Approximately 130 women attended the seminars,where the need to increase preventive and protective health was stressed.A total of 6500.-T.L. was donated by Citibank to our Foundation( 50.-T.L. per participant),thus aiding the continuity of the project.

INTERNATIONAL CANCER WEEK-April 8, 2008

20.000 informative leaflets were prepared to be handed out during the World Cancer Week,which is internationally acknowledged as the first week of April.These leaflets were handed out in shopping malls and offices where female employees were in majority,with the help of volunteers from non-governmental organisations.Thus,a very large number of women were reached with sound information on Breast Health Awareness.

CLASSICAL TURKISH CHORUS CONCERT by the FORD-OTOSAN Employees-April 24, 2008

A Chorus established by the employees of the Ford-Otosan Factory gave a concert in Kocaeli,in support of our Foundation.The concert was a great success,and the Chorus members,among which Ms.Gülseren Bastar and her volunteer friends of our Foundation were present,received tremendous praise in the local media. The 11.000.-T.L. income from the concert was donated to our Foundation for the continuance of our free mammography screening program.

MEDIATIC SUPPORT

Our project ‘ I’m Aware and Not Afraid’ which was launched in May 2006 continued this year too.The main theme was that Breast Cancer should not be regarded as a most deadly and scary disease and that early diagnosis can lead to optimum recovery.The newspaper ads prepared to emphasise this statement were published for free by the media groups Hürriyet,Sabah and Akşam.

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL-May 31, 2008

The Dragon Boat Festival which is organised in many countries to draw attention to Breast Cancer in the public opinion took place in the Golden Horn,under the patronage of our Foundation.A large audience watched the race with great interest,where 18 of our volunteers were actively participating as contestants.

RADIOLOGY TRAINING-June 29, 2008

A seminar on mammography interpretation took place in Ormylia,Greece for radiologists,under the context of a European Union Project.A workshop was carried out with the participation of world famous specialists,Dr.Andre Van Sen,Dr.Elisabeth DePeri and Dr.Edward Azaveda.The Turkish Breast Foundation again took part in this activity,represented by 5 radiologists.

SCHOOL-MATES EDUCATION PROJECT-September 23, 2008

Organised in conjuction with the Validebağ Allied Health Professions High School,this project was launched on September 22,2008 through a series of educational conferences.The financial support for the project was received as a special donation granted to our Foundation from the U.S.Ministry of Foreign Affairs,with the help of the U.S.Istanbul Consulate.Thus,we were able to reach 3584 female students in 6 High Schools of Istanbul and inform them on Breast Health through a series of conferences.

ELSE LINGERIE CO-OPERATION-September 2008

As a part of the FTBC-Fashion Targets Breast Cancer project launched by the American Fashion Designers Organisation(CFDA) to promote awareness on Breast Cancer and easy access to early diagnosis,the products designed by the Else Lingerie firm were placed on the sales market as of September 2008. ‘Cooperation for special product design’ was initiated with the Else Lingerie firm,who regards the subject as an issue of social responsibility.Joint efforts in the advertising and other activities of Else Lingerie provided financial support for the project.

BREAST HEALTH PANEL,ISTANBUL ,ISTANBUL POLICE DEPARTMENT -September 8, 2008

Following the outstanding efforts of the authorities in the Istanbul Security Department’s Educational and Polyclinic Units,a seminar was organised on Breast Health Awareness and the importance of early diagnosis,for the female security officers and their families.An audience of approximately 200 listeners were informed on protective health issues,with special emphasis on Breast Health and Breast Cancer.

CALENDAR 2009

The traditional Turkish Breast Foundation Calendar was designed and printed to be sold as a fund-raiser for 2009.The paintings used were donated by our well-known painter,Ms.Su Yücel.Out of the total 5000 prints,a block sales of 2500 calendars was made to ABS Plaster Panel Industries,as in the previous years.

COOPERATION WITH ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES-September 8,2008

The Estee Lauder Company continued their supportive activities in coordination with the Beyoğlu District Municipality and the Turkish Breast Foundation. 500 women presented by the Beyoğlu District Municipality will be subjected to breast screening by the end of this month for the campaign.

OUTCOME OF ‘FREE BREAST CANCER SCREENING-2008’

1514 women received low-cost breast examination in our Beyoğlu Early Diagnosis Center;1412 women underwent mammography and 2064 were screened with breast ultrasound. 16 breast cancer cases were detected.

OUTCOME OF -COST BREAST CANCER SCREENING -2008’

1200 women were screened by free mammography by our Foundation in 2008,with the funds obtained by numerous activities. 4 women in this group were diagnosed with breast cancer and 3 of them were surgically treated where all operation costs were covered by our Foundation.

SCHOOL-MATES EDUCATION PROJECT 2009

BREAST CANCER PEER EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Breast Cancer Peer Education Program is carriedon 2009 in conjuction with the Validebağ Allied Health Professions High School. The financial support for the project supported by our Foundation. 2 new High Schools were joined to the program. They will reach 800 girls at 2 high schools in the Uskudar area in Istanbul

ISTANBUL ROTARY CLUBS BREAST SCREENİNG PROJECT, 2009

A Free Screening Project started in collaboration with Istanbul Rotary Clubs. 350 underserved women recruited by Rotary Clubs were screened. This project was funded by Rotary Clubs of Istanbul

DRAGON BOAT FESTİVAL 2009

The Dragon Boat Festival which is organised in many countries to draw attention to Breast Cancer in the public opinion took place in the Golden Horn, under the patronage of our Foundation as it was in the past. A large audience watched the race with great interest , where 18 of our volunteers were actively participating as contestants.

CALENDAR 2010

The traditional Turkish Breast Foundation Calendar was designed and printed to be sold as a fund-raiser for 2010 .The paintings used were donated by our well-known painter, Ms.Sedef Yılmabaşer .Out of the total 4000 prints, a block sales of 2500 calendars was made to ABS Plaster Panel Industries, as in the previous years.

COOPERATION WITH ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES ,2009

The Estee Lauder Company continued their supportive activities in coordination with the Beyoğlu District Municipality and the Turkish Breast Foundation. 300 women presented by the Beyoğlu District Municipality will be subjected to breast screening by the end of this month for the campaign.

OUTCOME OF ‘FREE BREAST CANCER SCREENING-2009’

800 women were screened by free mammography by our Foundation in 2009,with the funds obtained by numerous activities. 2 women in this group were diagnosed with breast cancer.

1400 women received low-cost breast examination in our Beyoğlu Early Diagnosis Center;1200 women underwent mammography and 1750 were screened with breast ultrasound. 10 breast cancer cases were detected.

VILADA VERSUS BREAST CANCER PROJECT 2010

Vilada an international brand for cleaning products started a breast awareness project with our foundations. Sales representatives in 50 shopping malls were trained for breast awareness. These sales representatives distributed 50 thousand brochures in shopping malls and reached women for breast awareness.

Also 500 underserved were screened by free mammography funded by Vilada.

ROTARY CLUBS BREAST AWARENESS SEMİNARS, 2010

Awareness education is the main target of the organization. Seminars and conferences are held in offices and factories where female employment is the majority, Mainly visual aids and leaflets about breast cancer are distributed during these activities. Four panels,focusing on ‘Breast Health and Breast Cancer’ were organised for female members of Rotary clubs. Approximately 120 women attended the seminars,where the need to increase preventive and protective health was stressed.

ISTANBUL ROTARY CLUBS BREAST SCREENİNG PROJECT, 2010

A Free Screening Project carried out in collaboration with Istanbul Rotary Clubs which was started 2009. 300 underserved women recruited by Rotary Clubs were screened. This project was funded by Rotary Clubs of Istanbul

COOPERATION WITH ESTEE LAUDER COMPANIES ,2010

The Estee Lauder Company continued their supportive activities. “Jazz versus Breast Cancer” project was performed at Istanbul Jazz Center which one of the most prominent Jazz clubs in Istanbul

CALENDAR 2011

The traditional Turkish Breast Foundation Calendar was designed and printed to be sold as a fund-raiser for 2010 .The paintings used were donated by our well-known painter, Mr Mustafa Ayaz. Out of the total 4000 prints, a block sales of 2500 calendars was made to ABS Plaster Panel Industries, as in the previous years.