A walkathon this month will raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer and the need for regular check-ups, as well as offer support for women suffering from the disease.
The annual Bahrain Cancer Society’s (BCS) Walk-A-Thon, set to take place at Water Garden City, in Seef District, on October 25, is open to all members of the public as part of a month-long global initiative with local support.
The society’s president Dr Abdul Rahman Fakhro told the GDN yesterday that the event, which has been held for more than 20 years by BCS, teaches women that instead of being afraid of breast cancer, or any other type of cancer, they should carry out self-examinations and consult with specialists.
“We invite everyone to come down, show their support and learn about the disease. When we come together as a community, there is no limit to what we can accomplish in the fight against cancer.
“The event is open to everyone, and we are looking forward to seeing GDN readers there.”
Dr Fakhro stressed that being diagnosed with the disease doesn’t mean that your life is over. “Many people think that once you have been diagnosed with cancer, you’re finished, which is not the case. In fact, if it’s caught early, the patient can be treated and live a long and healthy life,” he said.
“We also don’t truly know if cancer is preventable and what causes it but, to be on the safe side, it’s best to practice a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating well and exercising regularly.
“As your age increases, so does the risk, so it’s important to get checked,” he said. “A mammogram, or breast X-ray, combined with an ultrasound, is the best method to detect breast cancer at an early stage when it is easier to treat, before it spreads and symptoms develop.
“Women aged from 40 should be getting a mammogram every two years, and women with a family history of cancer should start earlier than that.
“Women of all ages should be checking themselves at least once a month, which can be done by feeling around each breast, or side of your chest, in a circular motion all the way up to your collarbone and under each armpit.”
Some of the early symptoms of the disease include one breast being larger than the other, red or pink skin, swelling or rash, orange like texture, hot to the touch skin, pain or itchiness, nipple discharge, and swollen lymph nodes under the armpits or neck.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide and in 2022, 2.3 million around the world were diagnosed with the disease. Cancer is a disease that causes the cells in the body to change and grow out of control. Most types of cancers form a lump or mass called a tumour.
According to the latest statistics (2022), 1,146 cancer cases were recorded in Bahrain by the end of 2022.
It was also outlined that women are slightly more prone to the disease than men with 630 – 55 per cent – diagnosed, a disease in which survival is often attributable to early diagnosis.
The BCS Walk-A-Thon that starts at 5.15pm and participants are encouraged to gather by 4pm.
- For more information contact 17233080 or @bahraincancer on Instagram.
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