Debrecen4U
October 13, 2026
Pink Ribbon Walk in Debrecen Highlights Importance of Screening
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month every October, the Debrecen branch of the Hungarian Anti-Cancer League organises an awareness-raising event. This year’s event was once again supported by the University of Debrecen, DEAC and the Association of Medical Students of Debrecen.
“This is a noble occasion to highlight the importance of screening, express our sense of unity and solidarity, and, above all, show that no one has to face illness alone. In Debrecen, healthcare is largely linked to the University of Debrecen. We have excellent doctors and nurses who carry out their work with great care and to a very high professional standard. However, the work of organisations such as the Hungarian Anti-Cancer League is also essential, as they do a great deal to support patients,” said Professor Zoltán Bács, Rector of the University of Debrecen, in his welcoming address at the opening of the symposium titled United Against Breast Cancer.
Around 8,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in Hungary each year, with more than half a million cases recorded annually across Europe. Experts emphasise that, when detected early, the disease can be cured in almost 100% of cases with modern treatments while also stressing the importance of prevention. “Early detection undoubtedly improves the chances of recovery considerably. However, I believe we still talk too little about prevention and the importance of a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet. I am convinced that these aspects deserve much greater attention. I am very grateful to the organisers for holding this event year after year, because raising awareness and providing reliable information are among the most important tools in the fight against breast cancer,” said Professor László Mátyus, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the István Tisza Foundation for the University of Debrecen.
Bernadett Ujhelyi, Vice-President for Clinical Affairs at the Clinical Centre of the University of Debrecen, stressed that alongside cooperation between healthcare professionals, families and society also have an important role to play in patients’ recovery. “In addition to doctors, it is important to recognise the role of medical assistants, nurses, operating theatre staff and other healthcare professionals, as every one of them contributes to patients’ recovery. However, early diagnosis, effective treatment and successful surgery are not enough on their own. A supportive family and social environment also plays a decisive role in recovery. Their help and care can make a significant contribution to rehabilitation and to a successful return to everyday life,” added Associate Professor Bernadett Ujhelyi.
Professor Norbert Németh, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, highlighted that the faculty’s primary aim is to train doctors who not only possess a high level of professional knowledge and the necessary competencies, but also practise their profession with empathy, compassion and humanity.
Oncology has made tremendous progress in recent years and now extends far beyond conventional chemotherapy. One of the greatest achievements of modern medicine is personalised treatment, which means targeting not simply the disease in general, but the precise genetic profile of the tumour. Targeted therapies can attack the molecular abnormalities responsible for cancer cell growth while sparing healthy tissue. Immunotherapy has also brought major breakthroughs by stimulating and training the body’s own immune system to recognise and destroy tumour cells. “Smart drugs,” or antibody–drug conjugates, offer further hope, delivering chemotherapy agents directly into cancer cells with the precision of guided missiles.
Associate Professor Péter Árkosy, Director of the Department of Oncology, drew attention to the fact that these innovative approaches not only significantly improve survival rates but also dramatically reduce the side effects of treatment. Overall, thanks to these advances, breast cancer is increasingly becoming a manageable chronic condition. Early detection greatly increases the chances of recovery, which is why regular self-examination and screening can save lives.
Experts from the University of Debrecen delivered presentations at the event, covering topics including the potential of artificial intelligence in screening and surgical care, the use of digital twins, and the role of general practitioners in the recovery of cancer patients. Following the presentations, participants wearing pink ribbons symbolising the fight against breast cancer set off on a group walk led by Dr Andrea Furka, President of the Debrecen branch of the Hungarian Anti-Cancer League. The walk began at the county government office and continued to Kossuth Square, expressing hope, solidarity and the strength of collective action.
Source: dehir.hu | Photo credit: debrecen.hu
