JEDDAH, 26 February 2008 — The Saudi Cancer Society (SCS), Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and the US Department of State yesterday launched at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) Hospital the a series of Komen training modules in breast cancer awareness and advocacy.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world’s largest network of breast cancer survivors and activists, has 25 years experience in the field and was brought to the Kingdom through the US-Middle East Partnership Program to combat breast cancer.
Several representatives from SCS, the US Department of State, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Institute of International Education are visiting Riyadh, Jeddah, Qassim and Dammam — places where the course will be implemented — to promote training on the first of its five modules.
“It’s going to be very challenging to spread awareness in the Saudi community,” said Erin Walsh, a senior adviser on women at the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs. “It’s going to be challenging because of society’s diversification. However, our goal is to build a knowledge platform.”
Dr. Samia Al-Amoudi, a breast cancer survivor and member of the Saudi Cancer Society High Committee on Breast Cancer, said that the course is designed to prepare advocates to objectively assess breast cancer related needs of their communities.
“Advocates will learn how to recruit, organize and train volunteers; build breast cancer awareness and provide education options for their community members; and raise the funds needed to carry out their objectives,” she said.
Nora Al-Sehli, a resident doctor at the gynecology department at the KAU Hospital, said further awareness needs to be created about breast cancer.
“Saudi women are so afraid of being screened for early breast cancer (mammogram),” said Al-Sehli. “They need to break their fear and we should make more efforts to change society’s perception of breast cancer.”
According to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the risk of death increases greatly when breast cancer is diagnosed at more advanced stages. For this reason, it is important to get routine mammograms (yearly for women aged 40 and older), clinical breast examinations (at least every three years until the age of 40, then yearly) and monthly breast self-examinations. These methods help detect breast cancer at early stages when the chances of survival are immense.
