09.10.2025 12:31
Last year, CHP Tekirdağ Deputy Nurten Yontar raised awareness by revealing her breast cancer diagnosis and removing her wig in the General Assembly of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM). This time, she announced from the same podium that she has overcome cancer. Emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis, Yontar called on the Ministry of Health to increase the number of KETEMs (Early Diagnosis, Screening, and Education Centers) and to include smart drugs and implants within the scope of social security.
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CHP Tekirdağ Member of Parliament Nurten Yontar announced her fight against breast cancer by removing her wig during her speech at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey last year. This year, Yontar returned to the same podium and declared that she has completely overcome the disease.
"I AM HERE HEALTHY TODAY"
In her speech at the Parliament podium, Yontar emphasized that early diagnosis saves lives and called on women:
"I am here healthy today. And now I have a wish not just for women, but for all of us. Don't be late. Know your own body and get your check-ups without fear. Remember; an examination can mean early diagnosis, which can save a life."
"THIS WAR IS WON WITH HOPE, COURAGE, AND LOVE"
In her speech, where she continued to share awareness messages against breast cancer, Yontar shared her emotional journey:
"A woman's risk of developing breast cancer during her lifetime is 13%. The moment I first heard about the disease, I asked myself questions like 'Why?', 'Why me, was it time?' This war is won not just with the body, but with hope, courage, loving life, your family, your work, and determination."
"THE RISK OF GETTING SICK HAS DROPPED BY AGE 20"
Yontar, who also called for healthy eating against cancer, stated, "Statistics show that the risk of getting sick has dropped by age 20. We must change our sedentary lifestyle and eating habits, reduce alcohol and cigarette consumption, and eliminate fatty and sugary foods."
"KETEM IS INSUFFICIENT, SERVICES ARE INADEQUATE"
In her speech, Yontar also mentioned the Cancer Early Diagnosis, Screening, and Education Centers (KETEM), stating that the number of existing centers is insufficient, saying, "Many of our centers lack specialist doctors, radiology technicians, and health personnel; mammography devices are limited; some KETEMs have only one device, leading to appointment queues lasting for months."
CALL TO THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH
Yontar made an open call to the Ministry of Health, saying, "The number of KETEMs should be increased, all centers should be fully equipped, personnel appointments should be made quickly, and mobile KETEM applications should be expanded to reach the most remote villages and towns."
Pointing to the situation in Tekirdağ, Yontar said, "With a total population of 1 million 215 thousand, there are only 3 KETEMs and 1 mobile KETEM," and stated that at least one KETEM should be established in each district.
Yontar noted that some smart drugs used in breast cancer treatment are not covered by SGK, and breast implants are also excluded from coverage. Yontar stated, "We have received information that some smart drugs are not covered by SGK despite doctors' requests. It is also known that breast implants applied to individuals who have had breast tissue removed are not covered."
Yontar's words caused emotional moments in the Parliament, and the members of parliament applauded her standing. The member concluded her speech with wishes of hope and courage for all women fighting against breast cancer.
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