KUWAIT: Ladies over 40 years old should have a mammogram test annually to ensure the early detection of cancer, said Dr Mai Taha from the Health Ministry Health Promotion Department. She said that hereditary factors, such as a family history of breast cancer among mothers or sisters, account for 13 percent of breast cancer cases, and that being older also increases the risk of developing the disease.

Her comments were made during a seminar held at the Oil Ministry in collaboration with the Petroleum Public Relations and Information Department. Dr Hussa Majed Al-Shaheen, a board member of Cancer Aware Nation and head of the Breast Cancer Awareness Initiative, said the seminar is part of a month-long awareness campaign organized by CAN, under the patronage of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Affairs Minister Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah.

The seminar was attended by Sheikha Tamadhor Khalid Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Director of Petroleum Public Relations and Information, who emphasized the importance of educating female employees about breast cancer. Participants included employees from various sectors, including technical affairs (digging and production, discovery and development, environment and safety), legal affairs, and administrative affairs (information systems and general administration).

Dr Taha cautioned against the long-term use of oral contraceptives, as this can increase the risk of breast cancer. She stressed the significance of regular breast examinations for early detection, which is crucial for effective treatment when tumors are still small. According to her, self-examinations identify 25 percent of cases, while mammograms can detect 90 percent of cases in women over 40. At the end of the lecture, booklets and brochures promoting awareness about breast cancer were distributed.