Doha, Qatar: As part of global Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Ministry of Public Health, and the Qatar Cancer Society organised a “Pink October” event under the slogan “Early Awareness Saves Lives.”
The event aimed to enhance health awareness of the importance of early breast cancer detection and prevention, promote a culture of prevention, and encourage adopting a healthy lifestyle among the ministry’s female employees.
The event was held in the theatre hall at the Ministry of Education headquarters in the presence of Reem Khalifa Al-Suwaidi, Assistant Director of the Technical Office of the Minister of Education and Higher Education, along with a large number of the ministry’s female staff.
The programme featured a presentation by the Ministry of Public Health delivered by Nour Hammad, Senior Health Educator. The session introduced breast cancer, its signs, symptoms, stages, the importance of early detection, and prevention methods. It also highlighted risk factors and ways to reduce the likelihood of developing the disease.
She explained that breast cancer involves the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that divide faster than healthy cells. It accounts for 35.1% of cancer cases in Qatar, and early detection significantly improves the chances of effective treatment and recovery.
Hiba Nassar, Head of Community Health Awareness at the Qatar Cancer Society, gave a presentation on strengthening awareness of scientific facts versus myths about breast cancer. She noted that 50% of cases occur without clear risk factors, making early screening essential.
