Distinguished guests at the event, left to right, Dr Farzana, Dr Gulnaz, Dr Salwa, Dr Shireen, Sameera Mohsin, Fatheena, Dr Doria, Dr Iman Baroum, Dr Muna Basliam, Ola Marzouky and Dr Aetidal. By Munwarunissa Nazneen Saudi Gazette Breast Cancer is the second leading cause of deaths in women, after lung cancer. Worldwide, an estimated 1.3 million women are annually diagnosed with breast cancer. However, it can be prevented by early detection and proper treatment. International Diagnostic Center (IDC) in collaboration with Zahra Breast Cancer Association organized an event at Park Hyatt on Thursday, Feb.2, and was attended by renowned gynecologists in Jeddah to create awareness for the same. IDC with its highly specialized team of radiologists, technicians, nurses strives to deliver the best possible service to its patients by helping them detect the disease. Dr. Muna Baslaim, a well-known Breast Surgeon and a pioneer in her field, from King Fahad Hospital delivered an extremely informative lecture on possible breast diseases during pregnancy and lactation. It was followed by Dr. Iman Baroum, a leading Radiologist from the Mammography Unit at the King Abdulaziz Hospital and Oncology Center speaking on the features of breast cancer on mammogram. The best medical test which enables early detection is a mammography. It is an x-ray technique which studies the breast tissue and detects irregularities or early signs of cancer even before the symptoms are felt by the person. The lectures well received by the audience proved to be beneficial as it helped clear doubts and misconceptions. Ola Marzouky, head of the Jeddah office of Zahra Breast Cancer Association and also a breast cancer survivor, shared her inspirational story with the audience and how the association had given her a goal to reach out to women affected with cancer. The association created by a group of educated women began their campaign about 10 years back in Riyadh by visiting women in schools, universities, shopping malls and mosques. They spoke to women about the importance of early detection and getting regular mammograms, an effective test to detect breast cancer tumors. Sameera Mohsin, Public Relations Manager at IDC said that she feels that the event was a commendable step in the direction of combating breast cancer. “The IDC is committed to provide state-of-the-art comprehensive diagnostic imaging services which meet and exceed the demanding needs of physicians and their patients. Its services include diagnostic testing using leading imaging technology in MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, mammography, bone densitometer and digital X-ray,” she said. Many doctors believe that early detection can prevent cancer, and studies show that it has been successful in saving thousands of lives. Women aged 40 and above should have a screening mammogram every year to ensure good health, and ladies in their 20s and 30s should undertake this test regularly by making it a part of their medical checkups that is every three years. __
