The month of October is observed globally every year as ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month’ marked by seminars/lectures, awareness campaigns and walkathons. The theme of this observance this year is – No one should face breast cancer alone. Join the Walkathon at the Oman Automobile Association grounds today

The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that breast cancer is the most common cancer globally with around 2.3 million new cases every year. It represents one in eight cancer cases in both sexes and a quarter of all cancers in women with 70% mortality occurring in resource constrained settings.

“Breast Cancer is still the ‘No 1 cancer’ in the whole world and in the Sultanate of Oman, with increasing incidence. Every one of us know at least one person who is either in our family or a friend who has gone through the breast cancer journey,” says Dr Rajyashree Narayankutty who has devoted a few decades treating as well as creating awareness about breast cancer in Oman.

“Inspite of all the awareness programmes and the advanced techniques to evaluate and detect, ladies do not go forward to do the check. It is either due to fear or ignorance, and many a time it is because of neglecting oneself,” she says adding, “Did you know, that more than 80 per cent of the breast cancer incidences can be prevented, if you live a healthy life-style. And you can protect yourself from getting breast cancer by putting your mind to it and, most importantly, you can completely cure and survive breast cancer, if you detect early by periodic examination.”

The 2024 Pink slogan for Oman is ‘Annual Breast Check-Detect Early’ (ABC-DE), says Dr Rajyashree, indicating the three ‘P’s for surviving breast cancer. Prevent – by a healthy life style, healthy foods, regular exercise, avoiding obesity, getting adequate sleep and reducing stress. Protect – by being aware of your body and your risk factors. And periodic examination.

All women above the age of 40 are called to not wait for symptoms or signs becuase breast cancer starts as a silent invader, and mostly, by the time it is noticed, it is past the first stage. However, one must not panic from breast pain, or lumpiness/abnormalities, but definitely get evaluated by a breast specialist. (About 85% of the abnormalities seen are usually not malignant (not cancer).

“We have the annual fundraising event, the Walkathon, today at the Oman Automobile Association ground, where anyone can participate and show you care for those who lost their lives to breast cancer, to support those who are fighting and undergoing treatment, and to remind others to go for the ABC,” Dr Rajyashree adds.

More cautions

ABC – will allow us to detect early and is the key to cure and survival. In stage one most of the time there is no need for chemotherapy and there is disturbance to the quality of life.

Try to keep away from unhealthy life style including – fast foods, fizzy drinks, processed foods, excessive alcohol, and stop smoking.

Cancer does not have any boundaries of region, religion, gender, or age.  Men can also get breast cancer and need to be aware and do similar tests if any abnormality is noted. 

Age – from the time of the first period to the end of life, a lady can have breast tumours and cancers, so need to do periodic examinations by SBE/CBE/Mammo as recommended.

Breast cancer is not contagious and not communicable, so you do not have to fear a person who has gone through the treatment. In fact, you can be a support and encouragement to them, and be a ‘Cancer Buddy’.

Only 15% of breast cancers are hereditary or by genes – more than 85% of the ladies who get breast cancer do not have a family history,

Don’t say, “Khalli Walli – Breast cancer is not for me,” instead, just make a little time for yourself every month to do a SBE, and yearly a few minutes to visit your doctor for CBE  and a Mammogram (as per your age).

Each one of u should take a pledge and promise – that Together we will join the initiative to ‘Stop Cancer’. Each one should be an ambassador to spread Breast Cancer awareness and encourage others to go for ABC. Be the torch-bearer to lead in the campaign against Breast Cancer. Even though you may be just a drop in the ocean, the ripples each one of you create in spreading Breast Cancer awareness will help reduce its incidence and reduce morbidity and mortality from Breast Cancer.

Oman Cancer Association, the only NGO in Sultanate of Oman to start and continue to work selflessly for spreading breast cancer awareness, founded by H E Madam Yuthar al Rawahy, a four-cancer survivor, is a blessing to the people of Oman.

One of the key projects of OCA – the Mobile Mammogram unit which goes all over the sultanate doing Mammograms free for all ladies above 40 years of age – including expatriates, is a unique and only screening programme in Oman.

The Dar Al Hanan, a home away from home for some children who need chemo and cannot afford an accommodation, allows stay with parents for free during their appointments in the cancer centers. There are many other projects, for which one can volunteer and help out if there is willingness to care and support.

The focus this year

This October, the focus has been on early detection, timely diagnosis, comprehensive treatment and the need to provide support for persons with lived experience including through patient navigation. The theme of this observance this year is – No one should face breast cancer alone – indicating the need for family members to offer emotional support while community groups offer social support.

It also provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to review progress, reflect and renew commitments in tackling the disease and to build momentum to address the existing disparities and challenges in access to breast cancer care.

What individuals can do

• Adopt healthier lifestyles – About one in four breast cancers can be prevented by modifying risk factors and adopting healthier lifestyle choices. The most important lifestyle choices to consider are to exercise regularly, to maintain a healthy weight and to avoid alcohol consumption.

• Breast awareness – Healthy lifestyle choices are important but not enough alone. We must regularly look out for any breast abnormalities and seek medical advice with any concerns.

• Seek early care – The reason breast awareness is so important is because breast cancer is highly curable if detected in its early stages and adequate treatment is provided.

• Seek treatment completion – You are best positioned for a successful outcome if you adhere to your treatments and complete your full schedule as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Breast cancer treatment can be daunting because it can require surgery, radiotherapy and systemic therapy. But completing treatment offers the best possibility of cure and survival.