Saleh Fareed

Saudi Gazette

 

JEDDAH — Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women in Saudi Arabia, accounting for approximately 22 percent of all cases, according to the head of the breast unit at King Fahd General Hospital in Jeddah.



The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chance of beating it, said Dr. Muna Baslaim at the launch of an awareness campaign.



She told Saudi Gazette: “Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers and an important way to combat this disease is through awareness about the need to conduct regular screenings.



“It is a known fact that early detection can save lives and through this awareness campaign we aim to spread this message in our society.



“It is a known fact that early detection can save lives and help reduce the number of women who succumb to this disease, yet we find that there are still a significant number of women who are not aware of this.”



As part of the campaign, which will run until Wednesday, several lectures will be held about breast cancer, MRI usage in discovering and diagnosing breast cancer, the importance of eating properly, the role of testing in breast cancer, updates in surgical and methodological treatment and social and physiological support.



They will be attended by healthcare officials from the Ministry of Health, government and private authorities as well as doctors and breast cancer specialists.



The campaign aims to disseminate awareness, health education and information needed for breast cancer early detection using the latest diagnosis and treatment methods, according to Dr. Abdulhafeez Y. Khojah, consultant physician director of Mosadia Medical Center, King Fahd Hospital.



Khoja underscored the importance of conducting periodic medical examinations for breast cancer, such as clinical breast examinations, X-rays and mammogram screenings.



A breast cancer survivor, Fatimah Al-Jedai, told Saudi Gazette that with her determination and support of her family she was able to beat the disease. She said: “Every woman should ensure that she gets a checkup and not worry if symptoms are detected.



“I want to tell everyone that if you do get diagnosed, don’t hide your illness but talk about it, so that others can also know about breast cancer.”



Also speaking at the launch ceremony, Dr. Nasr Al-Shareef, assistant director of training and education administration at the hospital, said the campaign aims to educate women about the importance of self-examination and early detection. “The campaign is working toward raising awareness about breast cancer.



“Through this year’s campaign, we hope to dispel their fears toward screening and encourage more women to stop making excuses and go for regular mammography scans. “Breast cancer is a matter of life and death but early detection and prompt treatment can save lives.”