Reach to Recovery International Newsletter Features Patient Friends Society

By Sean Lena
The February 2010 issue of Reach to Recovery’s Bloom featured Partnership affiliate Patient Friends Society’s October Awareness Day in Jerusalem. Bloom is a monthly breast cancer-focused magazine that promotes the exchange of current information on training, advocacy, research, volunteer, and peer support. It allows women who have lived through breast cancer to tell their stories and share their experiences with breast cancer. Click here to read the full article. Read more!

Aida, a New Short Breast Cancer Awareness Film Featuring Samah Anwar

By Niveen Torky, Community Program Director, Breast Cancer Foundation of Egypt
We are proud to share Aida, an emotional story of a woman confronting her fears about breast cancer, which underscores the importance of early detection. The 14-minute film is in Arabic with English subtitles, features Egyptian actress Samah Anwar as Aida and was funded in part by the Partnership’s Community Advocacy Grant program. Click here to view the video. Read more!

The Power of One: Bringing Together the Many “Moroccos” to fight against Breast Cancer

By Suzanne Baazet, Vital Voices Local Advocacy Coordinator for Morocco, Coordinator for the October 2009 Forum for Leadership-Building Against Breast Cancer in Casablanca, Morocco

Participants from 2009 Forum for Leadership-Building Against Breast Cancer, Casablanca, Morocco

When my Moroccan mother-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer two and a half years ago, I saw first-hand the challenges that patients in Morocco face to obtain accurate information, to create networks of support, and to access quality medical care. After seeing her experience, I vowed that someday I would find a way to personally contribute to the important cause of improving the situation, both medically and socially, of women with breast cancer in Morocco. I was honored to have the opportunity to organize last month the first Forum for Leadership-Building Against Breast Cancer in Casablanca. Associations and advocates play such an important role in Morocco. They raise awareness about the disease and ensure that women have access to screening. In the very sad cases, where women are rejected by their husbands as a result of their illness, the associations serve as shelters and support mechanisms. The opportunity to bring together a group of associations and advocates to provide them with important training about the disease and about how to more effectively manage their associations was a dream come true, but I knew that if we really wanted to help women from all of Morocco, it would not be an easy task.

Having lived in Morocco for many years, one of the things that always amazes me is just how many different “Moroccos” there are. I live in an urban area, which could easily be mistaken for a European city. It is a stark contrast to the mountainous and rural areas where running water and electricity are much-coveted luxuries. If the geographical and socio-economic divides aren’t enough, Morocco has another layer of complexity, which are its languages. People from Casablanca and Rabat tend to prefer French, other urbanites Arabic, those from small villages in the High Atlas or the Rif are most comfortable in their native Amazigh, and in the Northern parts of the country it is much easier to get around in Spanish than any other language. So how do you bring together all of these diverse contingencies to tackle such an important issue as breast cancer?

This was the challenge we faced in organizing the Forum. Many organizations who work in Morocco are never able to overcome the geographical, linguistic, and socioeconomic barriers that prevent people from coming together. At other NGO trainings I have attended, Casablanca and Rabat, which represent only 15% of the country’s population, represent over 90% of the participants. I made it my personal mission to ensure that our training was different. I know that breast cancer touches everyone in Morocco, and I knew that there was an important need to create a network between those who have more access to resources for screening and treatment with those who don’t. We set out to bring all of Morocco together in one room to get all of Morocco thinking about breast cancer.

It wasn’t an easy endeavor, but in the end we were successful. We had every major urban center and many rural areas represented at our Forum. There were men who came to discuss the important role that men need to play in supporting women who have the disease. There were young women interested in running awareness campaigns in high schools. There were psychiatrists interested in starting the first formal patient support groups in Morocco. There were survivors who want to reach out in the most remote areas to ensure early detection and prevention. No matter how diverse the group was, and even though many struggled to find a common language to communicate, the amount of synergy and collaboration that the group identified was impressive. They came up with creative ways that different associations can support each other and continue to collaborate together after the forum. After seeing so many leaders of associations from around Morocco so excited about playing a role in fighting against this disease, I now feel that in my own small way I have been able to contribute to ensuring that Moroccan women win in the fight against breast cancer.

Read more!

Stronger Than Breast Cancer

By Enas Abdo M. Mohsen, Sana’a, Yemen


Sometimes in life we work hard, prepare for everything to have satisfying results, and expect everything to go perfectly because we tried to do our best. We are shocked when the opposite happens. Unfortunately, that is exactly what has happened with me. (Don’t worry it isn’t so bad.)

After the success we had in the first stage of our breast cancer awareness campaign sessions for women and the great participation by our target group, I expected girls in secondary schools to be interested and excited with our sessions, too. So what happened?

Actually, many of the girls in our target group are very good girls. They want to learn and improve themselves; however, some of them don’t respect anyone. Maybe they are teenagers and don’t think about this disease or feel sympathy for the patients who are suffering. Life for them is just fun, laughs, and good times with friends.

On October 15, we conducted an awareness session in Al-Salam Secondary School for Girls, one of the most famous secondary schools in Sana’a. We planned everything to make the session successful. When the health educator began her presentation some girls started laughing and making noise. The school’s manager stood up and told them to stop. They listened to her but after she left the classroom they started laughing and making noise again. This time they didn’t listen to anyone, not even their teachers. They told them, "If you don’t want to listen please go out and allow others to listen to the session.” Nothing worked. We were very angry and decided to leave. The teachers apologized and promised they would punish the students. Because of the students’ reaction, the health educator said, “How can we do sessions in other schools, Enas? That’s very embarrassing and unacceptable. It’s a waste of time.”

Throughout this sad conversation between the health educator and me, one girl named Shadia stood up and shouted at the other girls. “Please shut up! I had breast cancer two years ago. I had a mastectomy and my doctor told me, ‘If you had detected the disease earlier, you would not have needed to remove your breast. You know why I didn’t detect the disease early? Because I didn’t know that I had breast cancer. When I felt pain in my breast I was too shy to tell anyone, even my mother. Now I know about early detection and everything about breast cancer but after I had removed my breast. It isn’t easy at all. I have had so much pain. You don’t feel what sick people suffer from. You are selfish."

All the girls were surprised. They didn’t know that Shadia had breast cancer and removed her breast. All they knew was that she was sick. No one knew about the breast cancer, not even her teachers and close friends. Shadia couldn’t stop her tears so she left the class with her teacher.
All the girls were shocked. Those who were laughing and annoying didn’t know what to do. After a while, one of them stood up and said, “I am sorry. We apologize to you. We didn’t know it is so serious. It is the first time we have ever talked about breast cancer. Can you repeat the session from the beginning please?"

The health educator started the session over and all the girls participated. All of them wanted to try early detection on the model and on their selves. In addition, the health group in the school plans to host sessions for other classes that couldn’t come.

After we finished, we went to see Shadia and give her our support. We said, “Sweet Shadia, you are stronger than breast cancer. You overcame the disease. You are alive. Why didn’t you make this experience a message of yours in your life? You can make other girls aware of it. Don’t be ashamed. Women and girls will listen to our sessions but, after that, we aren’t sure. They may have forgotten what we said and not use it. But when they listen to you, they will never forget it because nobody can explain the pain except someone who had it and no one can feel what it means to be healthy except someone who has lost it. Shadia, be strong, optimistic, and try to forget the pain. I want to thank you so much for your courage and help.” Read more!

The Power of the Ribbon

By Dr. Samia Al-Amoudi, Associate Professor and Head of Sheikh Mohammed Hussein Alamoudi Scientific Chair for Breast Cancer at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

You cannot imagine how effective the pink ribbon can be as the beginning of a dialogue about breast cancer. On October 28th, we installed two large pink ribbons at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) Hospital—one at the entrance of the building and one in the atrium. In addition, staff members wore pink ribbons to increase awareness about this devastating disease. The staff’s reaction was wonderful. Even the hospital security guards wore pink ribbons. And for our medical students, there was an educational program that included distributing educational books and brochures, plus a special edition of the school's newsletter, "Words to Inspire: Med School's Deeper Lessons."

The event, attended by Dr. Adnan Almazroa, KAU Vice President, and guests from Jagiellonian University, in Krakow, Poland, is part of KAU's plan to increase breast cancer awareness among health care providers, especially medical students. Since that day, many medical students have become excited about breast cancer and even offered to volunteer their time to increase awareness.

The newsletter features an article that captures my direct experience with breast cancer—as a woman and a doctor, and as someone who deeply loves her God and her country. Reflecting on my own diagnosis more than three years ago, I continue to share my story as a message of love I extend to every woman: Do not forget to make regular checks for possible tumors in your breasts. There are people who can help you win this fight—from your family to nurses and doctors.
Read more!

"Pink Glove Dance" Breast Cancer Awareness Video

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Pink Pyramids of Giza Send Global Message of Breast Cancer Awareness

"A dream has come true. Another triumph in the fight against breast cancer," said Mohamed Shaalan, Breast Cancer Foundation of Egypt, following the lighting of the pyramids in Giza, Egypt on October 24th.

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Breast Cancer Awareness Event in Palestine Features Animated Film Fatenah

By Carol El-Jabari, U.S.-Middle East Partnership representative in the West Bank.

Patient’s Friends Society-Jerusalem and survivors from the Sunrise breast cancer support group held the first Palestinian Breast Cancer Awareness Event on Sunday, October 11th, at the Ramallah Cultural Palace. The goals were to raise awareness about the importance of early detection, celebrate life, and show how women are currently facing their diagnosis and treatment.

HE Majeda Al Masri, the Minister of Social Affairs, opened the day with an address on the importance of early detection. She then joined approximately 400 people in the March to Celebrate Life. Next, a lecture on early breast cancer detection was delivered by Dr. Sahar Araj Marzouka, an obstetrician/gynecologist. Several breast cancer survivors also shared their experiences with the audience.

Thanks to Dar Films and the World Health Organization they screened the film ‘Fatenah’ during the event. It’s the first Palestinian animated film and conveys the story of one young woman’s tragic breast cancer outcome. The film was well received and made quite an impact on the audience.

The day closed with classical music performances and a raffle.

The event participants came from all over the country--men, women, youth, and children. Thanks to the generosity of many supporters, many of the local businesses, but also TIPH (the temporary international presence in Hebron), the American Colony Hotel, and the Housing Bank ( Jordan), they were able to bus them to Ramallah—a first for many!

Preparing for Patient Friends Society's 11 October 2009 event- Photo Carol Jabari

Sunrise ladies signing the ‘celebrate life’ poster at Ramallah Cultural Palace on 11 October 2009-Photo Carol Jabari Read more!

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.


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Pink for a Day: Free Mammograms Save Lives in Egypt

By Sean Lena


There are a number of obstacles to getting women to schedule annual screening mammograms. Dr. Hanan Gewefel, a radiologist and the Director of Breast Imaging at the Woman and Fetal Imaging Clinic (WAFI) in Cairo, says the primary obstacle is fear—of both the procedure and of possibly learning you may have cancer. The next obstacle is the stigma associated with a breast cancer diagnosis. And, the cost of a mammogram discourages many Egyptian women from getting screened more than once.

To address these obstacles, Dr. Gewefel founded Pink for a Day, a program that provides free mammograms once a week to disadvantaged women aged 40 and older. In addition, she makes these events more than just a medical appointment by offering “coffee mornings” to encourage groups of women to come together in support of one another.

During 2008, WAFI provided 839 free mammograms, with 33 women receiving a “suspicious” diagnosis, and 9 women diagnosed with cancer. By de-mystifying the screening process through weekly events and separate educational seminars, Dr. Gewefel hopes to increase the number of women who make mammograms a regular part of their health care.

Pink for a Day is funded by a number of local sponsors including health organizations, banks, pharmaceutical companies, and cosmetics companies. Dr. Gewefel promotes the program through advertisements in women’s magazines, but finds that word of mouth works best. To help ensure that women keep their appointments, she sends out appointment reminders via text messages and email.

Dr. Gewefel believes that free mammograms represent a first step towards a brighter future without breast cancer. Although sponsor support has recently decreased due to the worldwide economic situation, she hopes to continue serving these women for a long time to come.

For more information about the Pink for a Day program, visit the WAFI’s website (www.wafi-clinic.com) or contact Dr. Hanan Gewefel at drhanan@drhananclinic.com. Read more!