Princess Noorah Oncology Center (PNOC) at King Abdulaziz Medical City – Jeddah launched the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign which will last until the 30th of October 2015 under the slogan "prevention is the objective".
Breast Cancer Consultant and Head of the Scientific Committee Dr. Meteb AlFoheidi pointed out that the breast cancer awareness campaign aims to identify breast cancer, its types, breast self-examination, its symptoms along with factors that might lead to increasing its risks, the importance of the follow-up with the physician after the end of treatment, the mammogram screening and the common misconceptions about this disease.
The activities will include an educational exhibit in the Outpatient Center at King Abdulaziz Medical City for two weeks, there will also be an awareness activity in AlAndalus Mall on the 15th and 16th of October 2015 and on the 21st and 22nd of October 2015, the event will take place in Red Sea Mall. These educational events will be with the participation of specialized breast cancer institutions and entities to spread awareness and educate society.
Moreover, Dr. AlFoheidi explained that awareness means early detection by following medical advice and guidance which urges a monthly breast self-examination, clinical examination, and an annual mammogram after the age of 40. This will familiarize the women with the status of her breasts so she can notice any changes, along with keeping a healthy lifestyle to maintain an ideal body weight through nutrition and regular exercise.
Additionally, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women according to the 2010 Saudi Cancer Registry. Dr. AlFoheidi pointed out that the number of registered cases reached 1473 case of breast cancer by 15%, but it represents 27% of all women with cancer in general, and the average age is 49. The distribution of breast cancer stages at diagnosis varies, as stage 1 and 2 make up 32%, stage 3 with 40% and 17% for stage 4. These statistics conclude that the diagnosis of the a breast tumor in its 3rd and 4th stage is relatively high. Dr. AlFoheidi also added that breast cancer factors are age, genes for 15%, hormonal changes, hormonal treatments for long periods, weights, and lack of physical exercise.
On the other hand, Executive Director of Medical Services – Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs - Western Region, Dr. Mansoor Ahmed Jundi stressed that the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs is always keen on participating in all health events believing in the role of awareness and health education for all.
He also highlighted the importance of awareness regarding this type of cancer, where studies and statistics have shown that awareness has become a local and global strategy obtained by the MNG-HA. Furthermore, breast cancer health education is essential and vital as it generally focuses on the latest developments in diagnostics, Dr. Jundi pointed out during the opening of the exhibition which will continue until October 30th, 2015 under the slogan " prevention is the objective".
The breast cancer awareness activities will also include an awareness event for women in the Intercontinental Hotel on Friday, October 23rd, 2015 which will cover educational and awareness lectures, along with an open dialogue.
Moreover, the 8th International Breast Cancer Conference will be held on the 24th and 25th of October 2015 in the Intercontinental Hotel which will target doctors, surgeons, pharmacists, X-ray technicians and nursing in one of the largest conferences in the Middle East that attracts nearly 1,500 attendees with the participation of a group of specialists from the USA, Canada, UK and Italy.
Last but not least, the conference will be accredited with 30 CME Hours by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCHS).