Health Minister: Providing modern treatment options for breast cancer

Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Oudai stated that breast cancer accounts for more than 40 percent of registered cancer cases among women in Kuwait, adding that the number of patients living with the disease and receiving treatment and follow-up care at Ministry of Health facilities exceeds 8,000.

He made these remarks in a speech delivered on Saturday at the Third Kuwait Breast Cancer Conference 2026, emphasizing that breast cancer is one of the most significant health challenges requiring a comprehensive approach.

Al-Oudai added that combating cancer requires a vision extending from awareness and early detection to diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and follow-up. He noted that Kuwait has developed growing capabilities in addressing the disease since the launch of the National Early Breast Cancer Detection Program in 2014 and the establishment of the Rapid Diagnostic Clinic at the Kuwait Cancer Control Center in 2015, as well as the creation of the Genetics Laboratory in 2016.

He pointed out that the opening of the Oncology Department at Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital in 2022 represented a step toward expanding specialized services, followed by the launch of breast tumor surgery and reconstructive services in 2022, which enhanced the integration of care and attention to functional and psychological aspects alongside disease treatment.

The minister said the Ministry has kept pace with advances in pharmacological treatments and worked to provide modern therapeutic options, including hormonal, targeted, immunotherapies, and antibody-drug conjugates, tailored to the nature and characteristics of the disease and the clinical condition of each patient.