2.4 million breast cancer cases and 694,000 deaths globally in 2024

Dr. Abeer Al-Bahou, Director of the Health Promotion Department at the Ministry of Health, stated that the observance of World Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place every October, represents an important opportunity to raise awareness about the significance of early detection and to recognize the signs and symptoms that may warrant a visit to a doctor.

In a press statement today on the sidelines of an awareness day organized by the department at the College of Life Sciences, attended by the college’s dean, Dr. Ahmed Al-Lafi, and as part of activities focused on disease awareness, prevention, and early detection, she added that breast cancer remains one of the most common types of cancer among women globally. Approximately 2.4 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, while the disease caused around 694,000 deaths that same year, underscoring the importance of intensifying awareness and early diagnosis efforts.

She clarified that about 80% of breast cancer cases occur in women who have no specific risk factors other than sex and age, emphasizing that the absence of a family history or known risk factors does not necessarily mean a reduced likelihood of developing the disease.

She stressed the importance of paying attention to abnormal changes in the breast, such as the appearance of a lump or thickening, often painless, changes in size or shape, skin dimpling, redness, or puckering, as well as changes in the nipple or the discharge of abnormal or bloody secretions, urging women to consult a doctor if any of these signs appear.

She affirmed that self-examination helps women notice any new changes, but it is not a substitute for clinical examination or mammography, emphasizing the importance of adhering to screening guidelines based on age, risk level, and medical recommendations.

She added that early detection allows for the identification of the disease in its initial stages, when treatment prospects are better, noting that breast cancer treatment depends on the type and stage of the disease and may include surgery, radiation therapy, and drug therapies, with the importance of completing the treatment plan.

Dr. Al-Bahou announced that mammography screening is available at several health centers, including the South Khaitan Health Center in Farwaniya Governorate, Al-Zahraa Health Center in Hawalli Governorate, Al-Uqayla Health Center in Ahmadi Governorate, Al-Nuaim Health Center in Jahra Governorate, and Shuhan Al-Farsi Health Center in the Capital Governorate.

She reiterated that the message of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is “Early detection saves lives,” calling on women not to ignore any abnormal changes and to take advantage of appropriate health screenings, as awareness of symptoms and timely diagnosis are two fundamental steps in combating the disease.