Yemeni Women Embrace Breast Cancer Education Sessions

by Enas Abdo M. Mohsen, SOUL for the Development of Women and Children, Partnership Advocacy Grant Recipient


Before I started the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign in Yemen, I thought women, girls, and all Yemeni society wouldn’t listen to my breast cancer awareness information. I thought they wouldn’t care and would be afraid to talk about this disease because they think if you have breast cancer or cancer in general, you will not be cured and die. Cancer is a sudden disease and there aren't enough early diagnoses of it. So I was thinking, “How can I convince Yemeni women that breast cancer isn't like what they have been thinking?”

Before I started the Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign in Yemen, I thought women, girls, and all Yemeni society wouldn’t listen to my breast cancer awareness information. I thought they wouldn’t care and would be afraid to talk about this disease because they think if you have breast cancer or cancer in general, you will not be cured and die. Cancer is a sudden disease and there aren't enough early diagnoses of it. So I was thinking, “How can I convince Yemeni women that breast cancer isn't like what they have been thinking?”

I was so afraid to start the session. “Nobody will come,” I said to my direct manager—but I didn't have a choice. I had to host the session.
At the first session, I looked at the whole health center and counted the number of ladies that arrived to listen. Over time the numbers of ladies increased. They didn't leave. They were listening attentively and asking very important questions. They wanted to have earlier clinical diagnoses for breast cancer by our health workers. Many of them told us they will host awareness sessions for their families, neighbors, and friends. I couldn't believe all of the interest in breast cancer. It was very exciting and amazing. "I must be dreaming," I said to myself. All of the women thanked us for the awareness sessions and asked, "Why didn't you come and host the sessions before?”

I learned many lessons from this campaign. I learned how I can be positive, strong, and do something good that will be a benefit to my society. No words can explain what I feel and how happy I am. I hope this small article will help. I would be grateful to receive your comments and share experiences with you. Thank you very much.