CAIRO - “Yes. I have two experiences with breast cancer, one in 1970s and the latest in 2004," said, 73-year-old, Salwa Saad, who was shocked when she had the disease for the first time, particularly as her elder sister had died in late 1950s of cancer. On the first occasion, she noticed that she had something like a tumour in her armpit. She hurried to see the doctor, who said, ‘you are walking with an atomic bomb, which can explode at anytime'. “That doctor made me afraid, especially not explaining to me what I really suffered from and that frightened me. I went to another doctor, who diagnosed breast cancer,” Saad told The Egyptian Gazette. In the 1970s, she added, there was no advanced treatment available like radiation or chemotherapy or sufficient awareness of diagnosing breast cancer or examining yourself for the symptoms. "I had an operation to remove the breast. I went in a very late stage,” she recalls. After 35 years, she suffered the same disease in the other breast. “I noticed a change in the breast nipple and went to the doctor, who removed the tumour after making tests on the tumour,” Saad said. Her husband bought her a mastectomy bra from London, which she opened to found out what it was made of. “I had the idea to start making these mastectomy bras by myself, which I give free to those in need.” Saad philosophically declared: “Life is too short to be sad about something. Let's enjoy life as it is.” She was participating in a recent event entitled ‘Pink Steps Towards a Healthy Life' to raise awareness about the breast cancer. It was held in Gazira Sporting Club. The event was organised by the Breast Cancer Foundation of Egypt (BCFE), an NGO, established in 2004, to promote breast health through breast cancer awareness, education and research and to facilitate services and support to women in all social and economic strata. “Breast cancer is the cancer which most affects women in Egypt and throughout the world. The State-owned National Cancer Institute places breast cancer at the top of the list of all the forms of cancers afflicting women and treated there,” said Dr Mohamed Shaalan, the president of BCFE. “What makes the situation complicated in Egypt is the lack of awareness among women, which is why we hold such events,” he told this newspaper. He added that the risk factors, which increase the incidence of breast cancer, include: old age; obesity; lack of exercise and sport; not breastfeeding; family history; exposure to certain hormones and pregnancy at a relatively old age. Women who have never been pregnant and/or smoke are also at risk. “We are working to educate the public about breast cancer, the importance of early detection, and eradicating the stigma attached to having breast cancer.” Dr Naglaa Abdel-Raziq, an assistant professor of radiology at Cairo University, stressed the importance of women over 20 doing a self-examination every month and having clinical breast examination every three years. From the age of 40 onwards, women must do a mammogram every year. “Early detection and management of breast cancer in its early stages result in complete recovery in 98 per cent of cases,” Dr Abdel-Raziq said. She added that an unhealthy diet with high fat and low fibre content is also considered a risk factor. She recommends eating vegetables, cooking with olive oil and eating fish three times a week and avoiding red meat. The event was attended by around 3,000 young people of both genders from schools, universities, banks and companies, cancer survivors and their relatives. There were also a number of prominent Egyptian and foreign attendees. Egyptian actor and activist Khaled Abul Naga said: “The January 25 revolution happened because the people believe in change. They aimed to change Egypt for the better and succeeded in toppling the regime in February. I hope this will be reflected in raising awareness about breast cancer and urging women of the need for early detection to fight this disease.” “Everyone of the attendees has a mission" to raise awareness of his/her neighbours, friends, relatives and colleagues. Next year, we hope that all Egyptian women know the risk factors and avoid them,” he added. There are another events this October organised by BCFE in partnership with a number of international organisations: October 28: Curves breast cancer race at Palm Hills The meeting and starting point of the race will be at 9:00am in front of the Palm Hills premises of the Curves fitness franchise in Sixth October City, with the race expected to end before Friday Prayers. Prizes will be awarded to the winner and each participant will receive a goody bag containing important BCFE breast health information. October 29: Zumba Fitness ladies-only event in Zamalek This event will be held in the River Hall of Sawy Cultural Centre, at the end of July 26th St in Zamalek, starting at 10:00am and finishing at 4:00pm. Zumba Fitness is a Latin-inspired dance-fitness programme that blends red-hot international music, created by Grammy Award-winning producers, and catchy steps to form a ‘fitness-party'. Entrance to the event costs LE30, including yoga, Pilates, massage and raffles.
