Epic Entertainment in cooperation with Makkah Youth Forum organized an awareness program in support of cancer patients on Thursday in Salam Mall in Jeddah.

The program was part of a six-month nationwide cancer campaign which aims to inform the public and dispel fears about the disease.

Yasir Sagaff, the program’s host and an employee at Mix FM, explained that the program was organized in part to empower cancer-fighters and enlighten people that cancer is not necessarily fatal and can be overcome.

“We want people to be aware that cancer is not a death sentence; with will power and support patients can defeat the disease. We brought a host of cancer-survivors, doctors, and experts to guide people and inspire them to fight cancer,” he said.

Hearing stories of cancer survivors, he added, gives people hope and proves to them that they too can defeat this disease.

Wajdi Khayat and Hamza Iskandar, two cancer survivors, Dr. Riyan Karkdan, an onclogist, Ali Abu Hassan, a religious personality, Alawi H. Etirji, a training and self development counselor and a number of media experts were among the key speakers at the event.

Khayat relayed his own story with brain cancer and how he overcame the disease by adhering to his doctor’s prescriptions, maintaining strong faith and relying on his family and friends’ support.

Etirji highlighted to the attendees that the human brain has the capacity to overcome various problems, stressing that a positive mindset is vital in the fight against cancer.

“Cancer is not fatal; we can fight it. God gave our body the stamina to fight any disease, however the key is our brain. Our immune system will obey the messages sent from our brain, which is why it is so important to think positively and maintain a supportive environment because it has proven to help body cells renew and recover,” the counselor explained.

Meanwhile, Ali Al Mirani, a media expert, pointed out the media’s important role in the battle against cancer, especially in raising awareness and breaking social misconceptions about the disease.