DOHA: A total of 198 breast cancer cases were reported last year, rendering it the most common form of cancer in Qatar, according to latest National Cancer Programme (NCP) data.
However, research has shown that early detection of breast cancer offers better, more successful treatment options, saving thousands of lives each year.
NCP’s ‘Be Breast Aware’ campaign in October was a major success, reaching out to many women and helping reduce the stigma associated with the disease.
To increase awareness and the opportunity for early detection, NCP created Monthlies, a smartphone application for young women to help them become more breast-aware.
Available in Arabic and English, the app aims to help women keep track of their monthly cycle and sends notifications with gynaecological and breast advice.
Since its release in the beginning of October, the app has been downloaded over 304 times in three weeks.
NCP also installed interactive pink booths at educational and health institutions in Doha, including Qatar University’s College of Art and Science, Aspire Active Ladies Club and Hamad Bin Khalifa University.
The booths proved to be a big hit and the campaign’s central focus, attracting over 3,080 women throughout the Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
About 3,000 leaflets on breast cancer, signs and symptoms, and forms of prevention, were distributed. Visitors met female health professionals and shared health concerns and keenness to learn more about prevention. Women interested to learn more about breast aware were escorted to viewing rooms inside the booths.
Other institutions such as Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, University of Calgary in Qatar and Stenden University Qatar backed ‘Be Breast Aware’ by handing out NCP leaflets to female student community. NCP partnered with Lulu Hypermarket and Intimissimi to promote the campaign by attaching pink ribbons to underwear on display.
Fitness institutions, including Aspire Active Ladies Club, Qatar Women’s Sports Committee, The Venue at Al Sadd and Fitness First at City Center, displayed large pink posters in locker rooms and bathrooms to promote the app.
The Peninsula
