Dubai: A month-long breast cancer awareness and prevention programme, launched by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), is raising community awareness on early detection and diagnosis, prevention and treatment methods, and risk factors.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world and among the top five causes of death among cancer types.
The campaign involves several activities, events, and programmes to educate community members about the benefits of undergoing early breast cancer screening tests.
Awareness activities took place in Ministry-run health centres and government offices across the country.
Other activities lined up during the month of October include lectures and workshops, presentation of educational videos focusing on early detection and prevention tips, and educational films to be posted to the Ministry’s social media channels.
Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for Health Clinics and Centres, said that the breast cancer awareness and prevention programme is part of the Itmenan campaign, which involves the ‘Universal Periodic Examination’ and ‘Early Detection of Cancer’ initiatives adopted by the Council of Ministers.
Itmenan seeks to reduce cancer morbidity and mortality index in the country, help boost the National Agenda of UAE Vision 2021 objectives, and lessen cases of noncommunicable diseases by 2025.
He added that the ministry is promoting a healthy lifestyle in local communities by collaborating with its partners in implementing the provisions of the National Strategy for the Control of Noncommunicable Diseases 2017-2021.
The partnership corresponds with the ministry’s core strategy to provide a comprehensive and integrated health care system delivered in innovative and sustainable ways.
Dr. Fadila Mohammad Sharif, Director of Health Education and Promotion Department, said the Ministry will hold a series of events at the RAK Mall, Al Manama Hypermarket in Umm Al Quwain, Lulu Mall Fujairah, Umm Al Moumineen Women’s Association in Ajman, and Al Ghurair Centre Dubai.
