NOOR SURIB

Yemen- October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. National Cancer Control Foundation has launched its annual campaign to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Tens of women have gotten free mammograms at the clinics of the foundation this month. “We have carried out many activities in Aden and even in the refugee camps within the scope of our campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. Our aim is to fight the disease and support women in treatment within the scope of the campaign. We also organized a recreational sport activity for breast cancer survivors and fighters. We have also launched an education campaign for early detection of breast cancer not only in Aden but also in Lahij and Dhale cities,” said Sanaa Seif, head of the Women and Child Department at the NCCF.

“1,121 women visited the clinics in 2020”

The awareness campaign of the foundation will continue throughout the month of October, “Because the disease is very dangerous and affects women under the unstable conditions of our country. Women should be educated so that women will not be the victims of this disease,” Sanaa Seif said, adding, “We have an annual statistic for the number of people applying to the medical services of the National Cancer Control Foundation. Our Al-Hayat Center is one of the most important centers providing free medical services to women. The number of women visiting the early detection clinics in Aden and Lahj in 2020 was 1,121. Women from Aden, Lahij, Shabwa, Dhale, Taizz, and many other cities visit our branches,” Sanaa Seif told us.

Free medical services at clinics

Underlining that the services of the clinics of the foundation are free of charge, Sanaa Seif said, “We have a specialized tumors center, first in Yemen. It has two clinics that provide medical services for cancer patients. People benefit from radio- and chemotherapy facilities under the control of specialist doctors.”

Clinics provide psychological support

The clinics of the foundation also provide psychological support to cancer patients and survivors. “Because women diagnosed with cancer need psychological support. We try to prepare patients for the post-treatment period by providing psychological therapy sessions. We support women to overcome their fears. We also have a special department at the clinics for training, awareness, and education. This department raises awareness of women and society about cancer.”

For early detection of breast cancer

Appealing to all women, Sanaa Seif said, “Women should perform breast self-exams at least once a month for early detection of breast cancer. Yemeni women should go to Al-Hayat Center and our early detection clinics. Women should raise awareness about breast cancer in order to save many lives.”