Hessa Al-Shahin: Early detection of breast cancer makes a significant difference in the treatment journey

Abdulkarim Al-Abdullah: Dr. Hessa Al-Shahin, a member of the board of directors of the National Campaign for Cancer Awareness (Kaan) and head of the Breast Cancer Awareness Initiative, stated that the campaign has believed since its inception that health awareness is not directed at one group over another, but is a message for everyone. She praised the role of serious and purposeful media, noting that it is a fundamental partner in spreading awareness and health education, delivering important messages to society, and reinforcing a culture of prevention and early detection.

This came during a speech delivered by Dr. Al-Shahin on Sunday evening at an event organized by Kaan in collaboration with the Kuwait Association for the Blind at the association’s theater. The event included honoring the winners of the table tennis tournament for female members of the association. Dr. Al-Shahin emphasized that delivering correct health information to all segments of society is a shared responsibility, requiring cooperation, partnership, and concerted efforts. She stressed the importance of making awareness part of daily life, in addition to knowing risk factors, adhering to regular screenings, and not delaying a doctor’s visit when any symptoms appear.

She noted that cancer data for 2022 recorded 823 new cases of breast cancer among Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti women, representing 49.7% of all new cancer cases diagnosed among women in Kuwait. She stressed that these figures are not cited merely for statistical purposes, but to underscore the importance of awareness, prevention, and early detection, as discovering the disease in its early stages can make a significant difference in the treatment journey.

Dr. Al-Shahin explained that this year’s campaign message carried the slogan “Your Awareness is the Pink Seatbelt,” noting that just as a seatbelt is a means of protection, health awareness and early detection are also means of safeguarding and ensuring safety. She emphasized that awareness is not complete merely by providing information, but only when it translates into behavior, interest, and decision-making. She said women should understand the importance of screening and encourage those around them, that families should be supportive, and that institutions, society, and the media should work together to deliver health messages in a simplified and relatable manner. She hoped the event would be the beginning of further messages, activities, and partnerships, and urged everyone to continue working toward a more aware and health-conscious society. Addressing every woman directly, she said: “Take care of your health, do not postpone your screening, and be aware of your body and your health.”

For his part, Abdulaziz Al-Azmi, head of the Cultural Committee at the Kuwait Association for the Blind, delivered a speech on behalf of the association’s board chairman, Sheikh Al-Shukr, thanking attendees and participants in the event. He praised the ongoing collaboration between the association and the Kaan campaign, wishing recovery for all cancer patients.

In her turn, Dr. Najlaa Al-Sayed provided the audience with information related to breast cancer during the awareness segment. She emphasized that awareness and prevention are better than treatment, and that understanding the disease and then protecting oneself is the right path to a healthier life. She confirmed that recovery rates from breast cancer, when detected early, exceed 90%, without the need for chemotherapy or radiation. She outlined the main factors that increase the risk of cancer, including excessive exposure to sunlight or radioactive materials, dietary habits, and several other risk factors.

She highlighted several symptoms that warrant a doctor’s visit, such as noticing any unusual swelling or lump. She stressed that regular screenings for women under 30 should be conducted every three years, and annually after age 40. She added that balanced nutrition, avoiding obesity and smoking, and regular exercise are all factors that help reduce the incidence of the disease and improve recovery rates if it does occur.