After helping set the Guinness World Record for the largest human awareness ribbon, Princess Reema Bint Bandar and the Zahra Breast Cancer Association have teamed up again to raise awareness about breast cancer, under the patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education. This time they have their eyes set on the world's tallest peak: Mount Everest. Under the banners of Alf Khair and Al-Bidayah Breastfeeding Resource and Women's Awareness Center, Princess Reema is heading a campaign entitled “A Woman's Journey: Destination Mount Everest” in which 10 Saudi women will climb Mount Everest in May 2012 with the support of Barclays Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC). The effort aims to inspire other Saudi women to stay fit and to raise awareness of the causes and effects of breast cancer. A team of 10 Saudi women with a relation who is a breast cancer victim or survivor will climb to Everest base camp from May 7 to 21. Several other events in the Kingdom will take place on the sidelines of this mega event to show that the fight against breast cancer is global. “Alf Khair and Al-Bidayah are the leading advocates of women's causes in the Kingdom and we want NGOs, schools, universities, activists, the government and media to be a part of this awareness campaign to help us achieve our vision of a healthier and cancer-free Saudi society,” said Princess Reema. “I'm honored and proud to lend my voice to this collective group effort.” Princess Reema is a founding member of the Zahra Breast Cancer Association who in October 2010 organized an event in Jeddah which saw 3,952 Saudi women gather to form a pink ribbon creating a Guinness World Record. According to the Saudi Cancer Registry at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among Saudi women and around 8,000 cases are discovered each year of which 50 to 60 percent are diagnosed at a late stage. Despite government efforts, the rate of breast cancer has climbed from 7.6 percent in the past 10 years to its current high of 24 percent of all cancer cases. Women over the age of 40 are at greatest risk and early diagnosis is crucial for increasing the chances of survival. “Breast cancer is on the rise in the Kingdom and early detection can prevent it. Women in their 20's and 30's should be aware of their health so that they can seek medical advice early,” said Dr. Muna Baslaim, who suggests that women aged 40 and above have an annual mammogram. “Studies have shown that the earlier breast cancer is detected, the higher are the chances of survival.” Dr. Baslaim, is a breast surgeon and head of the Breast Unit at King Fahd General Hospital, Jeddah. “Women also need the support of society, family and friends in the fight against breast cancer,” she added. The relationship between physical activity and breast cancer has been extensively researched, with over 60 studies published in major scientific journals worldwide. Most studies indicate that physically active women have a lower risk of developing breast cancer than inactive women. “The campaign's goals are threefold: Spread awareness, encourage greater participation and promote healthier lifestyles. The Zahra Breast Cancer Association is privileged that Princess Reema has taken up such a noble cause and we hope this May, Saudi women will join us when we climb Everest, by walking for 15 minutes a day in support of the climbers and help spread awareness about this deadly disease,” said Ola Abbass Al-Marzouky. Al-Marzouky who herself is a breast cancer survivor is also the campaign spokesperson and general supervisor for Makkah Region office, Zahra Breast Cancer Association. The corporate response to the campaign has been overwhelming: Barclays Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) have taken up the mantle of being the main sponsors while the campaign logistics are being provided by Yibreen, Dr. Solaiman Fakeeh Hospital (Olympia) and Saudi Arabian Airlines. Media partners of the campaign are Laha Magazine, Oasis Magazine, Al-Aan TV and Al-Madina Newspaper. __
