Breast cancer caign launched in EP

(MENAFN- Arab News)ALKHOBAR: The seventh Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign organized by the Saudi Cancer Society in the Eastern Province with several government and private agencies was launched here on Tuesday.
The event held under the sponsorship of Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif includes various activities for individuals and lectures for medical staff.
According to recent reports the incidence of breast cancer in the Kingdom is estimated at 24.9 cases per 100000 citizens compared to 54 in Bahrain 45 in Qatar 48 in Kuwait and 25 in the United Arab Emirates said Fatimah Al-Mulhim the campaign's chairwoman.
Al-Mulhim said that the 10-day campaign was launched this week at the Al-Rashed and Othaim malls hospitals and other sites and coincides with World Breast Cancer Awareness Month which is taking place this month.
The campaign would be extended to other times of the year because of the high incidence of breast cancer. The aim was to debunk many myths about the illness and urge women to have themselves tested to ensure early detection said Al-Mulhim.
Abdulaziz Al-Turki chairman of the Saudi Cancer Society said highly qualified medical workers and volunteers have been deployed to raise awareness of the illness. He thanked the Eastern Province governor for supporting the society's activities.
Hanan Al-Jiran the society's secretary-general said there are three mobile clinics equipped to test for breast cancer which will travel through various cities in the region.
She said the society plans to sign cooperation agreements with several scientific centers and private companies to help cancer patients and raise public awareness.