Khaled Al-Saleh: Early Detection Increase of 30% Saves 120 Women Annually in Kuwait

Abdulkarim Al-Abdullah: Dr. Khaled Al-Saleh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Campaign for Cancer Awareness (Kaan), stated that awareness campaigns have achieved successes that medicine alone could not, adding that “no drug can accomplish such an outcome.”

This was said during the “Your Day is Pink” event held at the Al-Bahar Heritage Village, as part of the breast cancer awareness campaign under the slogan “Your Awareness Is the Pink Seatbelt,” with gold sponsorship from Al-Mulla Group and Bin Omran Company. The event was attended by Dr. Anoud Al-Tariman, Assistant Undersecretary for Technical Affairs at the Ministry of Defense; Dr. Rashid Al-Hamad, Honorary President of the Campaign; and members of the Board of Directors.

Dr. Al-Saleh noted that a 30% increase in early detection after 20 years of the campaign’s work means saving more than 120 women annually in Kuwait, clarifying that this translates to saving 120 families and 120 friends each year, and emphasizing that the results are promising.

He pointed out that the primary message of awareness is to prevent the disease, and the secondary message is to detect it early, stressing that a woman’s knowledge of self-examination and risk factors is far superior to waiting for treatment. He urged women to adhere to regular screenings appropriate for their age and risk factors, and to consult a doctor without hesitation if they notice any abnormal changes, explaining that early detection helps identify the disease in its initial stages and improves treatment success rates.

He noted that the message extends beyond breast cancer to promoting a balanced lifestyle, explaining that consuming more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, reducing highly processed foods and sugars, walking regularly, quitting smoking, and prioritizing sleep all reduce the risk of chronic diseases and certain types of cancer, while emphasizing that these measures do not offer absolute protection.

For her part, Dr. Hessa Al-Shahin, head of the breast cancer awareness initiative, stressed that women should not delay attending to their health, noting that many postpone screening due to family and work responsibilities, fear of results, or the misconception that the absence of symptoms means the absence of a problem. She affirmed that early detection increases treatment success rates, explaining that the slogan “Your Awareness Is the Pink Seatbelt” carries an empowering message for women to take the initiative in ensuring their well-being, and that caring for one’s health is not a luxury but a right and a responsibility toward oneself and one’s family.

She highlighted that women diagnosed with cancer require specialized care, as well as family and community support, noting that survivors possess energy and expertise that enrich society and deserve empowerment, while stressing the importance of a culture that does not blame patients and respects their privacy. She emphasized that awareness efforts should not be limited to October but should continue throughout the year, reaching women of all ages and backgrounds, adding: “Your health is a priority, your awareness is safety, and your community is your support at every step.”