Debrecen4U October 14, 2025

A walk in pink drew attention to the most common disease among women in Debrecen

The importance of regular screening was highlighted at the symposium and walk organized by the Coalition Against Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common malignant disease among women in Hungary, with six thousand new cases diagnosed each year. Breast cancer can be successfully treated if detected early, but this requires those affected to attend screening tests.

In Hungary, women between the ages of 45 and 65 receive invitations for breast screening every two years. The examination takes only a few minutes, but it can save the participant’s life. Breast cancer can be successfully treated if detected at an early stage, and with modern equipment, specialists can detect even the smallest abnormalities.

“Mammography is our only chance to detect precancerous conditions at an early stage. I would like to emphasize that if we find and surgically remove the tumour, we have effectively prevented it from developing into cancer,” Dr. Éva Szegedi-Sebők, director of the DE KK Breast Center, said at the event called “Working Together Against Breast Cancer Symposium and Walk” on October 13, 2025.

György Kossa, chairman of the board of trustees of the Count István Tisza Foundation of the University of Debrecen, said that one in five people in Hungary die of malignant tumors. However, thanks to new therapeutic methods, there are now almost four recoveries for every death. The University of Debrecen is constantly upgrading its equipment to make screenings even faster and more accurate.

“We will soon be purchasing new equipment for the screening center, which will greatly contribute to the ability to screen and examine even more patients,” he said.

Even state-of-the-art equipment and trained professionals cannot help if those affected do not participate in screening. Diána Széles, deputy mayor and patron of the event, emphasized that students are already being taught self-examination at the center on Pósa Street, and the “Move, Debrecen!” movement and civil society organizations regularly draw attention to the importance of screening.

“It is clear that the screening program is working well in Debrecen, as the screening rate for women over 45 is usually around 40% on average. In Debrecen, it is around 60%. We are always able to add 10-12% to the national average in terms of screenings,” she said.

The participants of the event, including recovered and recovering patients, also drew attention to the fight against breast cancer and the importance of screening with a Pink Ribbon Walk.

Source and photo credit:debrecen.hu