The University Medical Centre (UMC) in King Abdullah Medical City launched a discussion panel aimed at raising community awareness of breast cancer and enhancing the importance of early screening. This came as part of the initiatives launched by the centre in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is celebrated in October of each year. More than 60 women from private and public sectors participated in the discussion.

CEO of UMC, Dr Salman Hamad Al Zayani, pointed out the importance of early detection of cancer, explaining that although breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women, early treatment enables those afflicted with this type of cancer to avoid complications, achieve recovery, and practice a healthy life at high rates. 

For her part, the Head of the Radiology Department at UMC, Musculoskeletal Radiologist, Dr Mai Ebrahim Mattar, confirmed that UMC pays great attention to spreading health awareness, especially regarding ways to prevent cancer and encourage early detection, which improves the chances of recovery for those afflicted. The panel introduced the participants to means of breast cancer prevention and the factors that cause it. The speakers stressed the importance of conducting periodic examinations and breaking the barrier of fear with knowledge, explaining that early detection helps increase the rate of recovery and survival. The continuation of community campaigns, lectures, awareness workshops and discussion panels about breast cancer contribute effectively to increasing education and understanding about diagnosing the disease and how to deal with it. 

In addition, Head of the Surgical Department at Arabian Gulf University, Dr Rami Yaghan, spoke about the early stages of breast cancer and its causes, reviewing the latest methods for tumour removal. He stressed the importance of organising such events, while the Breast Imaging and Gynaecology Consultant, Dr Amina Mohammed Mahdi, spoke about the latest technology in breast imaging to diagnose breast cancer, and discussed with the panel participants whether mammogram rays are harmful and could cause breast cancer.

For her part, Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Aisha Almoosa, reviewed the skin changes that should be noticed that may affect women with breast cancer or other types of cancer, after which Associate Professor and Nutritionist at UMC, Dr Aseel AlSaleh, explained the types of food that strengthen the body and help in healing. She touched on the relationship between Omega 3 and breast cancer and stressed the need to eat foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, warning against the risks of obesity and not following a healthy diet. Meanwhile, Consultant of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr Farah Al-Nuaimy, spoke about the importance of adhering to periodic examinations for women for early detection.

In the same context, Director of Corporate Communications and Public Relations at UMC, Ms Aysha Janahi, indicated that this panel discussion received positive interaction from women in the private and public sectors, who learned everything related to breast cancer, which fulfilled the goal of launching these community initiatives that UMC launches on an on-going basis to spread awareness and health culture.