On the occasion of World Cancer Day, the Clinic for Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases and Head and Neck Surgery, and the Clinic for Oncology and Radiotherapy of the University Clinical Center Tuzla, in cooperation with the Association of Tracheotomized Persons Tuzla and the ENT School Tuzla Association, organized expert lectures on the topic: “Together in the Fight Against Cancer.”
The organizers aimed to highlight the importance of raising awareness about cancer, early detection of the disease, understanding risk factors, and ways of living with and treating the disease. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and one of the major public health issues in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It ranks second on the mortality scale, immediately after cardiovascular diseases.
The World Health Organization emphasizes that one-third of deaths from all types of cancer can be prevented, while another third can be cured through early diagnosis and treatment. For adequate treatment of oncology patients, healthcare institutions must have modern diagnostic equipment, a multidisciplinary expert team, accessible treatment modalities, as well as continuous psychological and palliative support for patients. The latest data from the World Health Organization show that there are nearly 20 million newly diagnosed cancer cases worldwide and about 9.7 million deaths caused by this disease. The most commonly diagnosed cancers globally are lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, and stomach cancer. Cancer survival rates are improving in many developed countries thanks to early detection, advances in treatment, and better healthcare.
“Trends at the University Clinical Center Tuzla largely follow global epidemiological patterns. Lung cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy at UKC Tuzla as well, with a predominance among men at approximately 74%, but a significant proportion of women is also recorded, indicating a growing risk among the female population. In 2025, there were 199 newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer at UKC Tuzla, with an average age of 60.9 years. Last year, prostate cancer was recorded in 128 patients with an average age of 70, while 360 patients were newly diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancers,” emphasized Prof. Dr. Šefika Umihanić, Head of the Clinic for Oncology and Radiotherapy at UKC Tuzla, in her presentation.
The President of the Association of Tracheotomized Persons Tuzla and ENT specialist, Dr. Tokić, pointed out that this event brought together representatives of thirteen oncology associations, with strong support from the Clinic for Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases and Head and Neck Surgery, as well as the Clinic for Oncology and Radiotherapy. As she emphasized, the goal of the gathering was to jointly mark and highlight the importance of World Cancer Day. “I believe that such public health initiatives are of exceptional importance, as the patient is always at their center,” said Dr. Tokić, adding that the workshop participants were primarily individuals who have unfortunately faced malignant diseases, as well as doctors and lecturers who contribute with their knowledge to a better understanding of the importance of prevention, early detection, and support for patients. According to her, gatherings like this—where knowledge, emotion, empathy, and expertise come together—are invaluable, as the results of such joint efforts cannot be absent.
At the University Clinical Center Tuzla, in addition to surgical, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy treatments for oncology patients, great importance is also given to psychological support. According to Sumeja Mujkanović, a clinical psychologist at the Clinic for Oncology and Radiotherapy UKC Tuzla, there are four psychological phases that oncology patients go through. The first phase is diagnosis, which brings shock, disbelief, and denial, followed by a phase characterized by fear of side effects and loss of control over the body. After these two phases comes the post-treatment phase, in which fear of disease recurrence is pronounced, followed by the final phase of acceptance and preservation of dignity,” Mujkanović emphasized, adding that it has been scientifically proven that stress reduction through psychological support and therapy directly affects the immune response, helping the body fight alongside cytostatics.
On this occasion, the organizers expressed special thanks to the ENT School Tuzla Association for their selfless contribution to organizing the event, as well as to partner associations: the Women’s Association of Tuzla, the Breast Cancer Association “Narcis” of Posavina Canton, the associations Nijemi KRIK Kalesija, Ženo Majko Sestro Kalesija, “Zmajice” Gradačac, “Moja istina” Gračanica, PIPOL Tuzla, “Krila nade” Tuzla, “Ruka podrške” Živinice, Pink Circle Srebrenik, Iskra nade Doboj Istok, and the Thyroid Disease Association “Štit”.
The marking of World Cancer Day concluded with a musical performance by members of the Association of Tracheotomized Persons Tuzla, which delighted those present, as these are patients who had their larynx removed due to malignant disease and who successfully completed the process of speech therapy rehabilitation.
