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Tribune News Network
Doha
QATAR Cancer Society (QCS) has launched ‘Blossom’ campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer.
The month-long national campaign marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month observed globally in October every year.
Blossom targets all sections of the Qatari society, aiming to emphasise the importance of periodic examination for early detection of the disease, spreading the culture of healthy lifestyle and highlighting the health services available in Qatar.
The campaign also seeks to motivate members of the society to provide psychological and financial support for cancer patients.
Speaking about non-modifiable risk factors, Heba Nassar, head of the Health Education Department at QCS, said that women, especially in the age group of 55 and above and those with family history have a higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer than others.
About 5 percent to 10 percent of breast cancer cases are considered hereditary. Breast density can be determined through mammogram.
About modifiable risk factors, she added: “Hormonal therapy, obesity, therapeutic and environmental exposures to radiation, smoking and drinking, not conceiving the first child even after 30 years, refraining from breastfeeding and lack of exercise can also expose a woman to the risk of breast cancer.”
Symptoms and warning signs of breast cancer include a persistent lump in the breast that may feel different from other breast tissue, one or more lumps in the armpit, changes in breast shape or size, changes in breast skin, pain in nipple or abnormal discharge etc.
According to HMC, breast cancer is by far the most common cancer in Qatar, accounting for 31 percent of cancer cases in women. The risk of women in the population developing breast cancer is 56 per 100,000 (source: Qatar Cancer Registry). Both women and men can however be affected by breast cancer. It is important to note that many breast cancers are treatable and patients can survive if it’s diagnosed and treated early.
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10/10/2019
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