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.
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"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!

Breast Cancer Awareness Event in Alexandria Reaches Nearly 1,500 Women

By Hanaa Ismail

The following post was submitted by Hanaa Ismail, program coordinator at the Suzanne Mubarak Regional Center for Women’s Health and Development in Alexandria, Egypt.


To increase awareness about breast cancer and provide women with information about breast self-exams, we set up a stand at the Carrefour City Centre Shopping Mall in Alexandria, Egypt. For three days, from 10 a.m. to midnight, members of our team handed out brochures to women and, when the women asked, they were taught how to do a breast self examination.

Our stand was decorated with pink balloons and we gave out pink ribbons and pink sweets to women and their families. In addition, free mammograms were offered at our clinic. We had a large flow of requests for further consultations with physicians. Our team was pleased that we reached nearly 1,500 women through this event and we also received excellent media coverage from local news stations. Read more!

Partnership Expansion Activities in the West Bank and Gaza

By: Chris McKallagat, Country Lead, West Bank and Gaza

Chris McKallagat with Mariam Awad from Bethlehem University’s Faculty of Nursing and a member of the Partnership’s Advisory Planning Committee working to develop a breast cancer nursing training of trainers workshop in conjunction with the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS).

Recently, I traveled to the Palestinian territories to meet with key stakeholders, including the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Health (MOH), to initiate Partnership expansion activities. Recognizing the leading role of the MOH, the Partnership’s activities will strengthen and complement the Palestinian institutional response to breast cancer and help raise awareness among women and families. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the Palestinian territories and too many lives are lost unnecessarily. In fact, breast cancer kills more women in the Palestinian territories annually than the next three most frequently diagnosed cancers combined.

In response, the Partnership supports an approach to addressing breast cancer that works to improve institutional capacities, such as training for health care professionals and capacity-building of local organizations, while at the same time raising awareness at the community level through grassroots advocacy support and community mobilization and education.

American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA), will spearhead an initial set of activities on behalf of the Partnership to strengthen the ability of Palestinian public and private institutions to work collaboratively in the areas of breast cancer prevention and management. In order to truly make an impact on breast cancer in the Palestinian territories, it is clear that greater coordination and collaboration among various stakeholders is needed. With leadership from the MOH and support from the Partnership, Palestinian women and families will be equipped with greater resources to fight breast cancer. The U.S. has gained amazing ground over the past 25 years in decreasing breast cancer mortality by increasing awareness and improving early detection and screening. The Partnership is pleased to actively support Palestinian women in their fight back against breast cancer.

Check out the Partnership’s Baseline Assessment of Breast Cancer Awareness and Care: West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem
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Le Partenariat Indroduit un Programme Régional au Maroc lors d’une Table Ronde

Dans le cadre de l’extension de ses activités au Maroc, le Partenariat Etats-Unis – Moyen Orient pour la Sensibilisation et la Recherche sur le Cancer du Sein a tenu une table ronde Mardi le 23 Juin au Royal Mansour Le Meridien à Casablanca. Cette table ronde a été organisée en vue de lancer le Programme au Maroc et surtout d’établir le dialogue avec les professionnels du Cancer du sein et les associations actives dans le domaine. Ce fut la première fois au Maroc que les oncologues, les chercheurs, les psychiatres, les associations de lutte contre le cancer, les survivantes du cancer du sein se réunissent ensemble pour échanger sur une maladie qui concerne les femmes de toute classe et de tout niveau social.

La table ronde a été inaugurée par Rob Jackson, chargé d’affaires à l’Ambassade des Etats-Unis d’Amérique, qui a exprimé le soutien de l’Ambassade au Partenariat Etats-Unis – Moyen Orient pour la Sensibilisation et la Recherche sur le Cancer du Sein et son soutien personnel et celui de son épouse étant elle même une survivante du cancer du sein. Monsieur Jackson a félicité l’ensemble des associations et personnes qui oeuvrent pour la lutte contre le cancer du sein au Maroc et particulièrement l’association Lalla Salma pour ce qu’elle a accompli en si peu de temps.

Après des présentations sur l’état et l’analyse situationnelle du cancer du sein au Maroc, sur les objectifs Partenariat pour la Sensibilisation et la Recherche sur le Cancer du Sein au Maroc et une présentation Vital Voices (une ONG américaine en charge de la mise en œuvre d’une partie du programme relative au renforcement des capacités des ONGs au Maroc dans le domaine du cancer du sein), les participants se sont livrés à un débat front et fructueux sur les actions et activités à mener dans le moyen et court terme, à savoir :
1. Etablir un réseau réunissant des professionnels de la santé et associations actives dans la lutte contre le cancer du sein, qui pourrait être baptisé « Alliance Nationale du Cancer du Sein » ;
2. Etablir des groupes de travail par région ainsi que des groupes de soutien ;
3. Elaborer un flyer pour l’autopalpation ;
4. Etablir un guide des étapes à poursuivre en cas de cancer de sein depuis le dépistage;
5. Former des infirmières sur le cancer du sein et sur les soins palliatifs ;
6. Mettre en place une ligne téléphonique spéciale sur le cancer du sein « Hot line »
7. Mettre en place des unités mobiles de soins à domicile ;
8. Assurer des campagnes de sensibilisation et de dépistage dans des régions lointaines.

Les témoignages de plusieurs survivantes a éclairé davantage les participants ainsi que l’équipe du Partenariat sur la difficulté de certaines patientes des régions lointaines et défavorisées à détecter le cancer du sein à temps, de trouver des laboratoires spécialisés, de bénéficier des soins à domicile en plus du cout élevé des soins et l’absence du soutien psychologique et sociale.

Le Partenariat Etats-Unis – Moyen Orient pour la Sensibilisation et la Recherche sur le Cancer du Sein se félicite du lien étroit qu’elle a créée entre professionnels et activistes dans le domaine
du cancer du sein et a promis de mener des actions à grand impact dans la limite du temps et du budget alloué par MEPI.
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