In parallel with the International Breast Cancer Awareness Month (the Pink Month) observed every October, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has launched an awareness campaign on early screening of breast cancer, which is the most common cancer among Saudi women.
According to MOH, the campaign aims to urge women at the age of 40 and older to come forward for early screening, as it is the only means to detect the disease in its early stages, with a recovery rate of more than 95%, Allah willing. It underlined the importance of early screening of breast cancer, as it contributes to reducing mortality rate, Allah willing.
In this vein, MOH has exerted many efforts to correct such misconception, whereas the mammography screening discovers tumors at their earlier stages and before the appearance of symptoms. It stressed that the clinics and screening equipment is safe with the implementation of all preventive measures to maintain the health and safety of everyone.
It added that breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, noting that 55% of cancer cases in the Kingdom are detected at a late stage, and the main reason for delaying screening is that women believe that not having symptoms means no disease.
In an awareness infographic published on its Twitter page and awareness platform “Live Well”, the MOH explained that the risk of breast cancer can be reduced by following some tips, such as: having a mammogram screening every 1 to 2 years after the age of 40 years and older, getting an early screening from the age of 30 if you have a family history of the disease, exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, and maintaining a healthy weight.