Bosom Buddies, an Abu Dhabi group, is looking to contribute its share to the fight.
To many, October is simply the month where the blazing heat finally lets up, or the time to start thinking of yet another spooky costume for Halloween. But to millions the world over, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Noreen Kemp |
Survivor
Noreen Kemp (pictured), a Bosom Buddies founding member, unintentionally wore pink on the day we discussed the topic most women fear. A breast cancer survivor, Noreen stressed on the importance of emotional support while fighting breast cancer, something that Bosom Buddies strives to provide.
"I was diagnosed in March 2003," she explained. "I started my treatment and then suddenly realised that there was nobody to share my experiences with. My friends and family were greatly supportive, but unless you've gone through the experience, it's very difficult to share exactly how you're feeling. I was given the name of another lady who had gone through the same experience and she was such a comfort every time I called her up. Later, I met another lady who had just been diagnosed with breast cancer, so she would call me up and ask me questions. The group sort of grew from there, and now we count about 12 ladies who are part of Bosom Buddies."
Noreen stresses that the group is in no way professionally geared to counsel breast cancer patients, however her experience with chemotherapy in Abu Dhabi and in her homeland, Scotland, proved the necessity of professional psychological support.
"The healthcare I received in Abu Dhabi was absolutely phenomenal," says Noreen. "But during the summer holidays, I received two treatments in the UK and they were just the same as here, although back home, the TLC was there; the nurses would sit with you while they administered chemotherapy, and that made quite a difference. Although the nurses here are wonderful, they were very busy and had to go off and see other patients. They just don't have the resources and the time to provide psychological treatment yet."
In an effort to step up breast cancer awareness in Abu Dhabi, Bosom Buddies will be joining hands with the Preventive Medicine Department throughout October by tabling at both Marina Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall, where informational leaflets about the illness and the importance of early detection will be available to all.
"The main aim is to let women know that if they catch it soon enough, it is curable, but you have to take that responsibility for your own body," explains Noreen. "It's to educate all women."
Forum
In addition, Bosom Buddies has finally confirmed an eagerly awaited discussion forum with a psychiatrist at Al Noor Hospital sometime in November. The event will allow breast cancer patients to discuss their feelings and experiences and have their questions answered by a professional. "We hope that by having a professional discuss the issue of breast cancer, women will feel more comfortable coming forward and seeking help," says Noreen.
Emphasising the importance of psychological support in the recovery progress, a study done in Finland showed that women who had breast cancer who were part of a support group were less likely to suffer from depression than those who were not part of a group.
"Psychiatrists can play quite a big role in this because a lot of the way you deal with breast cancer is in your mind," says Noreen.
"You lose you hair, you lose your eyebrows, and you lose your identity in a way. You're just suddenly this cancer patient and it's quite scary."
As for the emotional support from Bosom Buddies, Noreen credits her group with helping get through breast cancer. "Going through breast cancer was life-changing," she explains.
"Just knowing that the women from Bosom Buddies were there was so encouraging. You feel like you've got this army of people behind you, and it helps you through."
For more information, contact Bosom Buddies at bosom_bdds@yahoo.com
Contact your local healthcare facilities for special deals on mammograms throughout the month of October.
