19 October 2017
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and across the West Bank, Gaza and Lebanon Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) and our partners are promoting understanding of the disease and the importance of early diagnosis.
In Lebanon, MAP joined an open day organised by the local partner for our Reproductive Health project, Naba’a, as part of their Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign in the Palestinian refugee camps of Ein el Helweh and Rashidieh. This campaign has included public meetings with demonstrations of self-examination, free consultations with the project’s health experts, and referrals for a diagnostic mammogram – for free – if needed.
For the open day, a community centre in Ein el Helweh camp was decorated in pink, and health information messages pinned up on the walls. Around 100 women from the community joined the open day which included psychological support activities; health information talks and videos; role plays; and testimony and advice from breast cancer survivors.
The gynaecologist who works in Naba’a’s reproductive health clinic told MAP that women are often scared of or lack knowledge about the disease, or don’t know about the importance of early detection. Since the first day of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign, however, she says many women have come to the clinic asking to be checked.
We hope this month of activities will help spread understanding of the disease, increase early detection, and ultimately save lives. You can read more about our other work on breast cancer care, treatment and awareness here. If you would like to support this work, please donate today:
