QCS launches Lets Fight It Hand By Hand to encourage early detection of breast cancer

Qatar Cancer Society “QCS” has launched “Lets Fight It Hand By Hand” campaign which aims to raise awareness about breast cancer which falls in October each year.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women worldwide, accounting for 39% of all cancers in females in Qatar. Hiba Nassar - health educator – said: ‘the risk factors of breast cancer summarized in: family history of breast cancer (close relative; mother, sister, daughter) and previous personal history of breast cancer. About 5% to 10% of breast cancer cases are thought to be related to specific genes, early puberty (before age 12), and Menopause (after age 55).’

Referring to a set of preventable factors that are represented in hormonal therapy, obesity, exposures to radiation, smoking & drinking alcohol, having first child after the age of 30 years, no pregnancy or breastfeeding and sedentary life style. About warning signs of breast cancer said ‘a persistent lump in the breast that may feel different from another breast tissue, one or more lumps in the armpit, changes in breast shape or size of breast, breast skin changes, such as redness, dimpling, hotness, visible veins, or itching, nipple changes, such as nipple turning inward, scaling, or abnormal discharge and nipple pain.’

Ways of reduce the risk of breast cancer that are early detection of breast cancer, get regular physical activity 20-30 minutes, 5 days per week. Maintain healthy weight, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, breast feeding for at least 6 months. If you have family history of breast cancer, preventive breast surgery for women with very high breast cancer, avoid exposure to radiation. And Avoid feminine hormones as much as you can” she said. Visit your doctor for ‘20 years and older do breast exam yearly at the doctor office,  45 years and older do mammogram test every 3 years, family history of breast cancer, if you have warning signs of breast cancer at any age.’

Please don't hesitate to contact the Breast cancer early detection call center (PHCC), phone number: 8001112.