KUWAIT CITY, Oct 20: The National Campaign for Combating Cancer (CAN) has stressed the importance of monthly breast self-examinations and annual mammograms for women aged forty and older to promote early detection of breast cancer. According to the campaign, early detection greatly improves treatment effectiveness and the likelihood of complete recovery.

Dr. Hessa Al-Shaheen, a board member of CAN, made this announcement during a "Pink Steps" celebration held in partnership with the International Women's Committee on Sunday. This event is part of the campaign's ongoing activities, which commenced earlier this month under the theme "Your Health in Your Examination."

During her remarks, Dr. Al-Shaheen pointed out that breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide. In Kuwait, approximately 630 new cases were reported in 2019, comprising 359 Kuwaiti women and 272 non-Kuwaitis. She highlighted that this marks the 13th consecutive year CAN has organized its breast cancer awareness initiative.

Dr. Al-Shaheen elaborated that the campaign is dedicated to creating programs that train women in self-examination techniques, having trained 156,000 female students in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. The initiative also includes lectures, exhibitions, and the distribution of educational materials on prevention strategies, risk factors, and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

A notable focus of the campaign during International Breast Cancer Awareness Month is encouraging physical activity, which is known to lower the risk of breast cancer and various obesity-related diseases. Dr. Al-Shaheen emphasized that the collaboration with the International Women's Group enhanced the event's mission by promoting walking and physical activity. She noted that regular exercise offers numerous health benefits, including preventing excessive weight gain, combating high blood pressure and arthritis, improving mood, boosting energy levels, and enhancing sleep quality.

Rana Abu Shakra, a member of the International Women's Group and wife of the Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Kuwait, echoed the importance of raising awareness in the fight against breast cancer. She emphasized the group's role in educating women about the necessity of regular check-ups for early cancer detection.

Abu Shakra also noted the event featured a walking march that attracted significant participation, highlighting the importance of such gatherings in promoting awareness about breast cancer and the need for regular examinations. She acknowledged that fear of tumor development had previously deterred many from discussing breast cancer, but heightened awareness has helped break down this psychological barrier, particularly through connections with cancer survivors who serve as powerful examples of healing and recovery for others. (KUNA)