JEDDAH -- As part of the ongoing breast cancer awareness campaign in the Kingdom, medical students from the King Abdul Aziz University (KAAU), wearing white laboratory coats, can be seen raising awareness about the killer disease in shopping malls across Jeddah.
The nationwide campaign began on Oct. 28. The students in Jeddah have already visited 12 girls schools, Effat College, Dar Al-Hekma College, the Arab Open University, the College of Business Administration (CBA), the Faculty of Medicine at KAAU and the College of Arts and Economics.
"We have given lectures and distributed brochures on breast cancer in the Kingdom and gave coupons for free mammogram tests at the King Abdul Aziz University Hospital, Erfan Hospital, Bakhsh Hospital, First Scan Clinic in ?toile Center and Fakeeh Hospital," said Noura Trabulsi, a student at KAAU. Free breast examination and mammogram tests will be available from today until Nov. 7.
The students could be seen at Jeddah Mall, Sultan Mall, Serafi Mega Mall, Le Mall and the Andalus Mall in Al-Jamea district. Stands in each mall comprise a visual screen with a continuous presentation, and a roll-up poster with different designs providing members of the public with details of the campaign.
"Self-examination tests take only 15 minutes and could prevent the disease from reaching a risky stage," said Dr. Saudi Al-Eisa, adding, "Breast cancer is the No. 1 cancer killer" of women around the world.
Women should begin examining themselves at the age of 20. At the age of 35 they should have their first mammogram test and those who are between 40 and 50 should undergo mammogram tests every two years. Once they turn 50, they should undergo mammogram tests every year, she added.
"We had girls and women below 35 wanting to take mammogram tests. However, studies show that mammogram tests should not be taken before the age of 35 unless women feel some difference in their breasts. If they feel any difference, they should consult a doctor," said Al-Eisa.
At the malls, the young doctors handed members of the public goody bags comprising pink Breast Cancer Awareness ribbons and flyers showing how women should check themselves for the cancer.
"Some people are responsive and are eager to gain more information. They also fill in the questionnaire that we're distributing," said Ghazal Al-Sabbab, a medical intern. "Others, who are in the minority, are afraid to even think they may have the disease," she added.
However, people do not have much knowledge about breast cancer, as shown from the answers given in questionnaires. Most people think that one in every 75 women in the Kingdom has breast cancer, when in fact it's one in every eight women, said Al-Sabbab.
In spite of breast cancer being generally a female illness, male medical students have also been involved in the campaign. "I was surprised that many men stopped and asked about the campaign and were interested to take brochures to give to their female relatives. They also asked about how to make mammogram appointments," said Dr. Al-Eisa.
He added that a US study showed that almost 70 percent of those who undergo regular mammogram tests find out about the disease in its first stage and are able to get treatment. However, most patients only find out about the disease when it is too late.
The group started spontaneously nine months ago while discussing mammogram tests in a university lecture with Dr. Adnan Mirdad, professor of surgery at KAAU. The group discussed ways to raise awareness.
"We posted an announcement in the university asking people to come forward to help the campaign. About 150 medical students joined," Trabulsi said, adding, "We are planning a campaign about colon cancer and child abuse in February and June."
By Lulwa Shalhoub
© Arab News 2007
