DAMMAM: The Saudi Cancer Foundation in the Eastern Province kicked off its “Pink Eastern” campaign Saturday to raise awareness of breast cancer. The campaign's inauguration ceremony was held at Al-Andalus Auditorium in Dammam. It was officially inaugurated by Zarab Bin Saed Al-Qhathani, a representative from the governor's office, on behalf of Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd, Emir of the Eastern Province. Dr. Mohammed Adil, medical director of the Saudi Cancer Foundation, told Saudi Gazette that October is the month for breast cancer awareness around the globe. The “Pink Eastern” campaign was started last year and included various educational programs for the early detection of breast cancer. Adil said the awareness program was successful and resulted in many women detecting the disease. The survival rate for patients, who are in the early stages, is a minimum of 98 percent to full recovery. Prof. Fatma Abdullah Al-Mulhim, the campaign's chairperson, and Abdul Aziz Al-Turki, chairman of the Saudi Cancer Foundation, spoke about the importance and benefits of the campaign. Al-Mulhim said a mobile mammography truck obtained last year will be travelling to certain locations in the Eastern Province. Any woman over the age of 40, or who has a family history of breast cancer, can approach the mobile truck for a free mammography screening. Results are released within a week, after careful consideration by several radiology professors and doctors. “Breast cancer is an important health concern for all women. Currently, early detection by screening mammograms is the most effective way of reducing deaths from breast cancer. A tumor of less than one centimeter can be detected by a mammogram,” she said. Saudi Cancer Foundation volunteers are distributing leaflets and printing materials to help inform women about the importance of periodic check-ups, and early detection. As part of the campaign, a special booth and exhibition will be set up in various locations. There will be female doctors to conduct examinations in the privacy of these booths. – Saudi Gazette Examination booths, locations and available dates Oct. 2 to Oct. 14, Rashid Al-Rashid Mall, Al-Khobar, 4 P.M. to 9 P.M. Oct. 2 to Oct. 6, Seef Mall, Al-Khobar, 4 P.M. to 9 P.M. Exhibition only. Oct. 6 to Oct. 15, Al-Fanateer Mall, Al-Jubail, 4 P.M. to 9 P.M. Oct. 13 to Oct. 22, Al-Othaim Mall, Al-Hassa, 4 P.M. to 9 P.M. Oct. 24 to Oct. 30, Qatif Mall, Qatif, 4 P.M. to 9 P.M. __
