On the occasion of World Cancer Day, the Clinic for Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases and Head and Neck Surgery, together with the Clinic for Oncology and Radiotherapy of the University Clinical Center Tuzla (UKC Tuzla), in cooperation with the Association of Tracheotomized Persons Tuzla and the ENT School, organized expert lectures entitled “Together in the Fight Against Cancer.”
The event aimed to emphasize the importance of raising public awareness about cancer, early detection of the disease, recognition of risk factors, and improving quality of life for patients during and after treatment.
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide and represents a major public health challenge in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It ranks as the second leading cause of mortality, immediately after cardiovascular diseases.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately one third of all cancer related deaths can be prevented, while another third can be cured through timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Effective care for oncology patients requires well-equipped healthcare institutions with modern diagnostic technologies, multidisciplinary expert teams, accessible therapeutic modalities, as well as continuous psychological and palliative support for patients and their families.
The latest data from the World Health Organization indicate that nearly 20 million new cancer cases are diagnosed worldwide each year, with approximately 9.7 million deaths attributed to the disease. Globally, the most frequently diagnosed malignancies are lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, and stomach cancer. In many developed countries, cancer survival rates continue to improve as a result of early detection, advances in treatment, and overall improvements in healthcare systems.
“Trends observed at the University Clinical Center Tuzla largely reflect global epidemiological patterns. Lung cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed malignancy at UKC Tuzla, with a marked predominance among male patients, who account for approximately 74% of cases. However, a significant proportion of female patients is also noted, indicating a growing risk among women,” stated Prof. Dr. Šefika Umihanić, Head of the Clinic for Oncology and Radiotherapy at UKC Tuzla.
She further emphasized that in 2025, a total of 199 newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer are expected at UKC Tuzla, with an average patient age of 60.9 years. Prostate cancer was diagnosed in 128 patients during the previous year, with an average age of 70 years, while 360 new cases of gastrointestinal malignancies were recorded.
In addition to surgical, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy treatment, the University Clinical Center Tuzla places significant emphasis on providing psychological support to oncology patients.
According to Sumeja Mujkanović, a clinical psychologist at the Clinic for Oncology and Radiotherapy of the University Clinical Center Tuzla, oncology patients typically go through four distinct psychological phases. The first phase occurs at the time of diagnosis and is characterized by shock, disbelief, and denial. This is followed by a phase marked by fear of treatment side effects and a perceived loss of control over one’s body. The third phase, which follows the completion of treatment, is often accompanied by anxiety and fear of disease recurrence. The final phase involves acceptance of the illness and preservation of personal dignity.
Mujkanović emphasized that scientific research has confirmed that stress reduction achieved through psychological support and therapy has a direct positive impact on the immune response, enabling the body to better cope with the disease alongside cytostatic therapy.
The observance of World Cancer Day concluded with a musical performance by members of the Association of Tracheotomized Persons Tuzla, symbolically underscoring the message of resilience, hope, and solidarity.
