The University of Dammam’s Early Diagnosis of Breast Cancer Awareness campaign kicked off on Monday October 19, 2015 with an audience of over 500 women who were welcomed by Dr. Abdullah M. Al Rubaish, the University of Dammam’s President and General Supervisor of King Fahd University Hospital in Al Khobar, Dr. Khalid Al Otaibi the Director of the University Hospital, Radiology specialists and the President of the Campaign, Prof. Fatimah Al-Mulhim.
In Dr. Al Rubaish’s opening remarks he declared, “The University and the University Hospital are dedicated to serving the community and to providing health care and education for the whole community. This campaign is a perfect example of the commitment the University and the hospital share in serving the women of the Eastern Province in helping them understand and appreciate the importance of early detection in combatting breast cancer."
In Prof. Al-Mulhim’s address she noted, “This campaign targets all women in the Eastern Province by raising their awareness of the latest techniques available for an early diagnosis, the role genetics plays in breast cancer and the importance of early diagnosis, which if caught in time, can have up to a 95% full recovery rate.”
Breast cancer is the number one cancer that occurs in women and early diagnosis is the best way to have a full recovery, therefore, the goal of this campaign and the previous ones has been to inform all women on the importance of an early diagnosis. This campaign is being launched in October, since worldwide it is known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and is associated with the symbol of the pink breast cancer awareness ribbon.
The campaign lasted for three days and had several interactive exhibits covering a variety of topics. One of the exhibits focused on the various diagnostic tests available, including: mammograms, ultrasounds and MRI and the importance of monthly self-examinations. The support corner welcomed recovering and recovered breast cancer patients, while a team of specialists from King Fahd University Hospital who provide awareness programs to the community manned the psychological and social consultation booth. The healthy exercise corner had information about the benefits of yoga and aerobics, while other booths concentrated on healthy eating as well as early diagnosis.
