Al-Saleh: Increased Early Detection Saves 120 Women Annually from Breast Cancer

AbdulKarim Al-Abdullah: Dr. Khaled Al-Saleh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Campaign for Cancer Awareness (Kaan), announced the conclusion of Breast Cancer Awareness Month under the slogan “Your Awareness Is the Pink Safety Belt,” with 31 events held over 31 days, targeting various segments of society. He noted that increasing early detection by 30% saves 120 women annually in Kuwait, and expressed gratitude to government and civil society supporters, media outlets, and volunteer teams for the success of this year’s campaign activities, emphasizing that community collaboration is a cornerstone for achieving goals in reducing cancer risks.

Al-Saleh added that this year’s campaign diversified its activities to include lectures, seminars, workshops, health exhibitions, and sports events, featuring “Your Day Is Pink” at the Day of the Sea Heritage Village, the Kuwait Medical Association exhibition, and lectures at the General Secretariat of Waqf, in cooperation with government and civil society entities and supporting companies. He pointed out that one-third of cancer cases can be prevented if people avoid risk factors, and that avoiding the four main risk factors reduces incidence by 37%. He stressed that awareness has scientifically proven its ability, in some cases, to achieve what treatment alone cannot.

He noted that the message of the October initiative extends beyond breast cancer to encompass a balanced lifestyle, including proper nutrition, regular walking, smoking cessation, and attention to sleep, emphasizing that such habits reduce the risk of chronic diseases and certain types of cancer, although they do not provide absolute protection.

For her part, Dr. Hessa Al-Shahin, head of the Breast Cancer Awareness Initiative and member of the Kaan campaign’s board of directors, pledged the continued efforts of the Kaan campaign to convey its message to society, stating: “With God’s help, we will continue to raise awareness and deliver a message of hope and optimism.” She stressed that early detection raises recovery rates to more than 90%, often without the need for chemotherapy or radiation, noting that cancer has become like any other chronic disease and that treatment no longer evokes the old fears.

She highlighted that awareness is not complete with the mere provision of information, but only when it translates into behavior and decisions. She explained that caring for one’s health is a right and a responsibility toward oneself and one’s family, noting that family support and psychological care accelerate recovery, and that survivors have become ambassadors for the campaign through their stories, with Makin Center preparing them for this role through weekly psychological sessions.

She added that the rising number of cases detected in the National Program is positive, as it indicates early detection, and that comprehensive annual screening is required for women over 40, while self-examination is recommended before that age.