Health Ministry: 2.4 Million Breast Cancer Cases Globally in 2024 - Sarmad

Dr. Abeer Al-Bahou, Director of the Health Promotion Department at the Ministry of Health, affirmed that the observance of World Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place every October, represents a crucial opportunity to enhance awareness of the importance of early detection and to recognize the signs and symptoms that may warrant a medical consultation.

In a press statement issued 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 the campaign’s 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 claimed around 694,000 lives that same year, underscoring the importance of intensifying awareness and early diagnosis efforts.

She clarified that approximately 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 imply a reduced likelihood of developing the disease.

Dr. Al-Bahou 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; dimpling, redness, or puckering of the skin; and changes in the nipple or the discharge of abnormal or bloody fluids. She called on women to consult a doctor if any of these signs appear.

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

Dr. Al-Bahou noted that mammography is one of the tools for early detection and can identify certain changes before symptoms appear or before they can be detected through clinical examination, highlighting the importance of undergoing the test in accordance with approved medical guidelines.

She added that early detection allows for the identification of the disease in its initial stages, when treatment prospects are better. She confirmed 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-Zahra Health Center in Hawalli Governorate, Al-Uqaylah Health Center in Ahmadi Governorate, Al-Nuaim Health Center in Jahra Governorate, and Shuwaikh Al-Farsi Health Center in the Capital Governorate.

She stressed that the message of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is “Early detection saves lives,” urging 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.