Dr. Al Jundi: MNG-HA, through its preventive and academic programs, seeks to improve the service provided to patients to be of the highest level of specialized professional and to apply international standards of medical care.
Dr. Al- Fahidi: The number of recorded cases reached up to 1473 with 15% breast cancer cases, but it represents 27% of all women with cancer in general.
The Ministry of National Guard - Health Affairs represented Princess Noorah Oncology Center (PNOC) launched the annual breast cancer awareness campaign which will continue until October 31st , 2016 under the slogan "Prevention is the Objective", in cooperation with the Saudi Oncology Society. Breast Cancer Consultant and Chairman of the scientific Committee Dr. Matab Al- Fahidi explained pointed out that PNOC begins its awareness activities earlier by organizing an educational exhibit in the Outpatient Center in King Abdulaziz Medical City attended with the participation of relevant departments. During the month of October, events will include several exhibitions in several shopping centers, involving breast cancer specialized institutions and communities to spread awareness amongst society members.
Dr. Al- Fahidi also explained that breast cancer is the most common cancer in women according to the Saudi Cancer Registry in 2010, where the number of reported 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 48 years old. Also, first and second stage prognosis represents 31%, the third stage is 42%, while 18% represents the fourth phase. Dr. Al- Fahidi then added that these statistics conclude that the diagnosis of breast cancer stage 3 and 4 is too high, and that the incidence of breast cancer in Saudi Arabia is low compared to Western countries.
For example, in the United States, 130,000 cases are diagnosed annually, and amongst the risk factors leading to breast cancer is age, genetics, which constitutes less than 10%, in addition to being exposed to chest radiation at an early age, and long hormonal treatment periods, overweight and malnutrition. He also added that recent data suggests that breast cancer is a major public health burden in the Kingdom as it is expected that cancer rates will increase by 350% and that death rates will reach up to 160% over the next ten years.
Furthermore, Dr. Al- Fahidi noted that awareness means early detection of the tumor by following medical advice and guidance which reccomend the work of the monthly breast Self-Exam, clinical examination, and annually conducting a mammogram for women over the age of 40, and learn about the state of your breast’s health in general so you can spot any abnormalities. Additionally, it’s also recommended follow a healthy lifestyle in order to maintain a healthy body, to eat healthy and exercise regularly.
For his part, Dr. Mansour Al Jundi, Executive Director of Medical Services, Western Region launched the first medical exhibition accompanying this campaign, and pointed out that the MNG-HA seeks to improve the service provided to patients to be of the highest level of specialized professional and to apply international standards of medical care. The aim of the annual breast cancer campaign is to define the types of breast cancer, how to perform the breast Self-Exam, to identify ways of preventing the disease, as well as spreading awareness on the importance of conducting the necessary examination and knowing the symptoms and signs of breast cancer and the factors that lead to increasing the risks. The campaign also focuses on the importance of regular follow-ups and mammograms after the end of treatment, as well as correcting several misconceptions about this disease.
Last but not least, the campaign events will also include an awareness day for women in Intercontinental Hotel on Thursday, October 20th, 2016, which will include educational lectures and open dialogues about breast cancer, in addition to the 8th International Breast Cancer Conference, which will be held on the 21st and 22nd of October 2016 Intercontinental Hotel - Jeddah that will target doctors, surgeons, pharmacists, radiology technicians and nursing.
It is worth mentioning that the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCHS) will accredit this conference with 24 CME Hours.