A record number of 23,000 women above the age of 40 have been screened by Oman Cancer Association’s (OCA) Mobile Mammography Unit. And cancer, though it seems a non-curable disease, can be treated and cured. The key to right methods of prevention is early detection, awareness, regular check-ups and a health lifestyle.

These surfaced at an event held at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel on Tuesday to mark the 20th World Cancer Day. The event, organised by Oman Cancer Association, witnessed the presence of several delegates, teachers, doctors and volunteers.

Speaking during the event, Dr Wahid Ali al Kharusi, president, OCA, said, “Cancer is a curable ailment. Our focus for prevention is everyone from Omanis to non-Omanis, however we also lay emphasis on women and children as the latter is the backbone of our society. Early diagnosis and treatment must be the idea. Cancer is still stigmatised and we must speak more of it. We welcome all to be part of events and programmes of OCA.”

OCA will also host the World Cancer Conference in October. “We competed with 55 countries and came in the final list of contestants including Brazil and Hong Kong and finally we managed to get the hosting rights.”