46,000 breast cancer screenings in Kuwait reveal 418 early-stage cases
Workshop organized by the Bahrain Center for Oncology and the National Cancer Awareness Campaign
Translated by Qiyas from الجريدة — Original source
Dr. Khaled Al-Saleh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Cancer Control Foundation, emphasized that avoiding risk factors contributes to preventing one-third of cancer cases, noting that prevention and awareness are two fundamental pillars in reducing incidence rates and saving lives.
This statement was made during the workshop titled “The Impact of Awareness in Reducing the Suffering of Breast Cancer Patients and Enhancing Early Detection and Quality of Life,” organized by the National Campaign for Cancer Awareness (KANC) via Zoom, as part of its 15th annual breast cancer awareness initiative. The event featured a panel of leading physicians and consultants and was moderated by Dr. Hessa Al-Shahin, a member of the campaign’s board of directors.
Dr. Al-Saleh stressed the importance of prevention, correcting misconceptions, and early detection. He explained that survival rates in the early stages can reach up to 100% in some cases, compared to 33–37% in advanced stages. He urged women over the age of 40 not to hesitate in undergoing mammography screening, particularly if they have a family history of the disease, noting that in Kuwait, screening is recommended every two years.
For her part, Dr. Maha Al-Sunaidi, an oncology consultant at the Bahrain Cancer Center, stated that approximately half of breast cancer patients in the Gulf region are diagnosed at advanced stages, despite survival rates exceeding 95% when the disease is detected early. She pointed out that the average age of diagnosis in the region is around 45 years, which is at least a decade earlier than in Western countries.
Meanwhile, Dr. Latifa Al-Kandari, Head of the Diagnostic Radiology Department at Al-Adan Hospital, revealed that the National Early Detection Program for Breast Cancer conducted 46,225 screenings, resulting in the detection of 418 cancer cases, all among women who showed no symptoms of the disease.
She clarified that the program targets Kuwaiti women aged 40 to 69 who are asymptomatic, and appointments can be booked through the “Sahl” or “Salim” apps. She emphasized that early detection aims to identify the disease before a palpable lump appears.
On the psychological aspect, consultant psychologist Nadia Al-Obeidi highlighted that the fear experienced by women upon a cancer diagnosis is not solely related to the illness itself but extends to concerns about recovery, changes in appearance, and the impact of treatment on their lives, work, and relationships. She stressed that proper awareness, reliable information, and stories from survivors help alleviate anxiety and break the stigma surrounding the disease.
Dr. Hessa Al-Shahin, the workshop moderator, emphasized that the rising number of cases detected through the National Program underscores the importance of early screening. She noted that family support and psychological care contribute to faster recovery, and that survivors have become ambassadors for awareness by sharing their experiences and stories. She also highlighted the role of the “Makin” Center in preparing survivors for this advocacy role.
