Halabja — World Cancer Day is an annual occasion aimed at raising awareness about cancer and strengthening global efforts to combat the disease. This day highlights the importance of prevention and early detection.

World Cancer Day falls on February 4. In this context, inspiring stories of women stand out, including the story of Kishwar Mouloud, a mother of two from the city of Halabja in the Kurdistan Region, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016. She underwent surgery that resulted in the complete removal of her breast after the discovery of a malignant tumor.

When she first felt symptoms, she contacted her neighbors, who advised her to immediately visit a doctor. After undergoing medical examinations, doctors determined that urgent surgery was necessary to ensure the complete removal of the tumor and to prevent the possibility of its recurrence in the future.

She said that upon waking up, she realized she had lost everything, wishing that no one would ever have to go through such a painful experience. Despite her fear of going to the hospital, she was forced to confront the reality. After receiving her first injection, her hair began to fall out completely; she lost her eyebrows and underwent fifteen treatment sessions, living through a harsh period that she was able to overcome thanks to the continuous support of her family.

“Despite my family’s support, I asked them to stop accompanying me and decided to go to treatment sessions on my own,” she said.

She confirmed that she continued her life for the sake of her children, as their love was the greatest motivation to overcome the disease. She did not abandon them and continued working to secure their future. Through her determination to face the illness with strength, she delivered a message to all women, urging them to undergo early screenings and seek treatment immediately upon discovering the disease.

She also expressed her belief in “the necessity of caring for those around us,” pointing to the sadness she experienced during her illness, and the hope and motivation it ultimately gave her to keep going.