- Breast cancer has already killed an estimated 627,000 women worldwide this year — but women in Saudi Arabia and throughout the Middle East remain reluctant to take the screening test that could save their lives
MAKKAH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, organized an awareness campaign in Makkah for its employees during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. October marks the 26th anniversary of the pink ribbon, a powerful symbol for millions of people affected by breast cancer.
The ministry’s campaign aimed to define breast cancer types, identify their dangers, and educate employees of ways of self-examination and the necessity of preventing the disease through regular screenings.
The campaign included providing medical consultations and discussing the best ways to prevent breast cancer.
It also involved distributing awareness brochures and urging the attendees to have screenings for breast cancer, visiting the oncology clinic in case of any early symptoms and finally, taking care of their health and diet.
Breast cancer has already killed an estimated 627,000 women worldwide this year — but women in Saudi Arabia and throughout the Middle East remain reluctant to take the screening test that could save their lives.
Of the women targeted during screening awareness programs across the Middle East, only 10 percent actually made an appointment for a routine breast exam.