Breast cancer awareness at MEIFF

This year’s Middle East International Film Festival was not just about the movies or the stars gliding down the red carpet. On Thursday, real-life heroes who have battled breast cancer came together to release an inspiring documentary. 

Aptly titled ‘Healing And Hope’, the documentary was a moving account of all those brave women and their families who fought the illness and the stigma attached to it.

The meet, organised by The Health Authority – Abu Dhabi [HAAD] as a part of their campaign to raise breast cancer awareness, drove home the point that early detection and regular mammogram screening was the first step to healthy living. It was heartening to see UAE-based women, from all walks of life, share their stories about winning the toughest battle of their lives.

Arlyn S. Salvador, who was diagnosed of breast cancer during the second trimester of her pregnancy, was one such example. She spoke at length about tackling fears and implored the viewers not to terminate their pregnancy if the cancer is detected early enough.

“Please don’t terminate your pregnancy. I didn’t and I have an angel in my arms,” said Salvador looking down at her healthy sleeping baby.

The other segments were no less inspiring. The documentary highlighted that women needed strong emotional support from their family and friends. 

Combined with strong medical advice, the documentary stirred the right sentiments and practical sense.

As Dr Jalaa Taher, Senior Programme Manager for Breast Cancer at HAAD, puts it: “Early detection is the key to surviving breast cancer. If you are over 20, you should have regular breast examinations and if you are over 40 years, you should schedule a mammogram every two years.”

The release of the documentary was followed by a healthy debate and discussion on breast cancer and the availability of health services to tackle the disease. The DVD Healing And Hope will be available on HAAD’s breast cancer awareness site www.simplycheck.ae