KUWAIT: The National Cancer Awareness Campaign (CAN) on Wednesday launched its annual breast cancer awareness initiative under the theme “Awareness Is Your Pink Safety Belt”, coinciding with Breast Cancer Awareness Month worldwide. The initiative aims to promote health awareness and encourage early detection of the disease.
CAN Chairman Dr Khaled Al-Saleh said early detection gives patients a better chance of effective treatment and better outcomes. He said breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Kuwait and is a public health issue that requires greater awareness of warning signs and timely medical consultation. He urged women to monitor their health, watch for unusual changes and seek medical advice when they notice them. He stressed that self-awareness does not replace specialized medical examinations.
CAN Board Member and Breast Cancer Awareness Initiative Coordinator Dr Hessa Al-Shaheen said the campaign has trained 197,000 secondary school students in self-examination and early detection since 2010. More than 1,000 physical education teachers have also been trained as instructors, she said.
The initiative includes exhibitions, lectures, training workshops, awareness sessions, and community and sports activities. It also includes publications and educational materials that present health information in simple terms, to help turn knowledge into everyday practice.
Al-Shaheen said the initiative was launched in partnership with Al-Sidra Association for Psychological Care of Cancer Patients and in cooperation with the International Women’s Group, with support from private-sector companies. The Ministry of Health’s Media Office and Health Promotion Department are also taking part.
