Cultural Association Hosts 'Balwardi A'wa'

The Kuwaiti Women’s Cultural and Social Association emphasized the importance of raising awareness about breast cancer and consolidating a culture of early detection, considering them among the most critical steps in confronting the disease and improving treatment and recovery prospects. This message was delivered during an awareness and charity evening organized by the Association’s Health Program under the slogan “With Pink, Be More Aware.. Awareness Today, Health Tomorrow,” coinciding with Pink October.

Inspirational Stories

Dr. Fajr Al-Husseini, Head of the Health Program and Secretary General of the Association, stated that this year’s event adopted a different approach, with the Association striving to make the evening more intimate for breast cancer survivors and those who have recovered from the disease, and to listen to their stories and experiences in facing the illness. Al-Husseini explained that the Association aimed to highlight these inspiring role models, noting that while the treatment journey for cancer patients can be difficult and lengthy, their determination, resilience, and positive outlook on life serve as a genuine source of inspiration and a message of hope for anyone undergoing this experience.

She added that the choice of the slogan “With Pink, Be More Aware” underscores that awareness is the true beginning of confronting the disease. The goal extends beyond holding a single event in October; it is about delivering a continuous message to women regarding the importance of caring for their health, taking the initiative to get screened, and not allowing fear to become an obstacle to ensuring their well-being.

Early Detection Makes a Difference

On her part, Heifa Al-Mousa, Secretary General of the Kuwaiti Women’s Cultural and Social Association, affirmed that the “With Pink, Be More Aware” event aims to enhance awareness of the importance of prevention and early detection, and to encourage women to undergo regular screenings without hesitation or fear. Al-Mousa stressed that early detection is a fundamental step in confronting the disease and increases the chances of treatment and recovery. She explained that detecting breast cancer in its early stages makes the treatment journey easier and allows for multiple treatment options.

She called on all women to adhere to regular screenings and not hesitate to consult doctors, emphasizing that ensuring one’s health is a responsibility and an act of awareness, and that timely detection can make a significant difference in the treatment journey. She noted that some women may avoid screening out of fear of discovering the disease, but emphasized that screening should be a gateway to hope and reassurance, not a source of fear, especially given the advancements in diagnostic and treatment methods and the availability of specialized medical facilities and personnel in Kuwait.

Continuous Attention to Women’s Health

In the same context, Maali Al-Ajmi, a physical therapy and women’s health specialist at Ahmadi Hospital and a member of the Association, stressed that regular screening should be part of a woman’s self-care and health attention throughout the year, not limited to October. She explained that early detection contributes to identifying the disease in its initial stages, and that health awareness helps women approach screening more positively, free from fear and anxiety. She emphasized that caring for health is a continuous responsibility that begins with awareness and translates into behavior, screenings, and medical follow-up.

Dr. Mariam Al-Shatti, a diagnostic radiologist at Mubarak Hospital and Head of the National Early Detection Program for Breast Cancer at the Ministry of Health, confirmed that breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women, but is also among those that can be treated. She stressed the importance of early detection to achieve the best chances of recovery. Al-Shatti noted that incidence rates in Kuwait are high compared to global averages, with the disease appearing in younger ages. However, she emphasized that Kuwait’s treatment system has seen significant development in terms of equipment, medications, and medical specialties. She pointed out that recovery rates are linked to the stage of detection, explaining that detecting the disease in the first stage raises the recovery rate to approximately 98%.

Triumphed Over the Disease Three Times

In an inspiring personal testimony, Nadia Al-Attiyah, a breast cancer and lymphoma survivor, shared her experience, affirming that she managed to overcome the disease three times. She stated that faith, willpower, and awareness were among her most important weapons in her recovery journey. Al-Attiyah explained that her first diagnosis was in 2011, a time when disease awareness was not as widespread as it is today. She noted that the expansion of campaigns, seminars, and educational programs helped raise her level of awareness, enabling her to face the disease with stability and positivity.

The evening featured a diverse program combining sports, health awareness, and psychological and social support, alongside lectures covering early detection, nutrition, mental health, and women’s health.