On the first of the pink month, the Saudi Ministry of Health onTuesday launched a national campaign for the early detection of breast cancer,which is the most common cancer among women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Thecampaign coincides with the World Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is heldin October each year, in a global effort to raise awareness on breast cancer.
The Saudi Ministry of Health said that the campaign's slogan is "Don't wait for symptoms, check now" was specifically selected as more than 55% of cancer cases are detected in the Kingdom at a late stage, where the main reason for postponing early detection is because women believe that the absence of symptoms means the absence of the disease.
The Saudi Ministry of Health has worked hard to correct thismisconception, since early examination using the mammogram detects tumors inits early stages before the emergence and sensation of symptoms.
The Saudi Ministry of Health pointed out that the campaign aims to encourage women aged 40 years and above to EPSDT because of its importance, it is the only means of detecting the disease in its early stages, where the cure rate is of more than 95%.
The Saudi Ministry of Health showed through Awareness Infographic,published through its Twitter account, that one in eight women is at risk ofdeveloping breast cancer, pointing to the possibility of reducing breast cancerby following a number of tips, including avoiding long-term contraceptivepills, mammograms every year to two years at the age of 40 and above, early screening if there is a family historyof this disease, avoiding the use of hormonal treatment after menopause, physicalactivity for at least 30 minutes a day, following healthy diet rich invegetables and fruits, avoiding obesity, and weight gain, the practice ofbreastfeeding, and early childbearing before the age of 30 years.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the world after lungcancer and is the first cancer in women globally.
The campaign is a continuation of the awareness efforts undertakenby the Saudi Ministry of Health to maintain the health and safety of allmembers of the Saudi society, promote healthy lifestyles, and alleviate theburden of the patient in line with the initiatives of the health system in theNational Program for Transformation and Vision 2030.
