JEDDAH: Muhammad Abdu Yamani, chairman of the board of directors of Iman Charitable Society for the Care of Cancer Patients, has called upon philanthropists and businessmen to contribute generously to his nonprofitable organization during the holy month of Ramadan. He said the society depended mainly upon donations to finance its activities and projects. “Ours is one of the oldest charitable societies in the Kingdom and is registered with the Ministry of Social Affairs,” Yamani said.
Iman offers medical and social services to cancer patients and provides them with necessary guidance. It also conducts awareness campaigns to fight the disease. “We encourage the public to conduct early diagnosis and teach women how to examine themselves for breast cancer. We also provide support services for patients,” the statement said.
The society also organizes conferences and seminars as well as training programs. “We have participated in several conferences and events related to cancer,” said the chairman. “As a result of this participation, Iman has become one of the leading medical charitable societies taking care of cancer patients.” The society has a team of 13 oncologists including consultants and surgeons. These doctors keep abreast of the latest developments in cancer treatment including medicine and research.
The society coordinates with hospitals and specialized associations to exchange information. “We are in continuous contact with King Abdul Aziz University Hospital, King Abdul Aziz Hospital and Tumor Center, the National Guard Hospital (Princess Noura Center) and private hospitals in Jeddah.
“I take this opportunity to call upon all philanthropists to extend their hands of help in order to participate in this important charitable work,” Yamani said. Ahmed Al-Hamdan, treasurer of the society, said the organization had spent more than SR9 million over the past years in providing chemotherapy and radiation therapy for patients. “Medicines used for these treatments are very expensive,” he said. He disclosed plans to establish a cancer treatment center, which will provide early diagnosis for breast and prostate cancers.
Fahd Al-Suleimani, director general of the society, emphasized the importance of early diagnosis to achieve speedy recovery from the disease. “We have conducted three conferences in cooperation with advanced cancer treatment centers in the US,” he said.
He said the society would hold intensive awareness campaigns against various cancers. “We have received good responses from women in terms of conducting early diagnosis and self tests to prevent the disease.” Al-Jowhara Al-Anqari, head of the society’s women’s branch office, said her office supported cancer patients and also conducted research.
