KUWAIT: The National Early Detection Program for Breast Cancer has received approximately 40,000 women since its launch in 2014, during which around 400 cancer cases were identified after mammograms, Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi said Friday. He emphasized that early detection significantly increases recovery rates to about 98 percent.

In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency on Friday during an awareness day held by the Ministry of Health at The Avenues as part of the ministry’s activities for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Minister Al-Awadhi noted that this national program is one of the ministry’s most important initiatives in combating cancer and detecting it in its early stages before it advances.

He highlighted the ministry’s commitment to providing mammograms in centers across the country, in addition to all hospitals, throughout the year. He affirmed that treating cancer patients is among the ministry’s top priorities, which demonstrates significant interest in combating the disease through various programs for early detection, treatment, and support for scientific research, in addition to ensuring a reliable supply of medications, including cancer drugs.

People interact with ministry workers at the breast cancer awareness booth.

Mammograms safe, quick

Breast imaging centers are spread across most governorates, including centers in Al-Zahra, Al-Naeem, South Khaitan, Surra, and Eqaila. Dr Asmaa Hussain, head of the National Early Detection Program for Breast Diseases, told KUNA that women aged 40 years and older can get their mammograms done at these centers provided they are not pregnant or breastfeeding. Women can book a breast cancer screening appointment through the Sahel and Q8Seha apps. She explained that if additional tests are needed, they are conducted at the main center until a diagnosis is reached, after which patients are referred to the appropriate facility.

Mammograms are usually quick procedures, taking less than 30 minutes to complete, Dr Buthaina Al-Kandari told KUNA, urging women to undergo regular examinations, which allow for the early diagnosis of small tumors before symptoms appear. The earlier the disease is detected, the higher the chances of successful treatment, and early-stage discoveries offer multiple treatment options for complete recovery.

Dr Latifa Al-Kandari, head of the Radiology Department at Adan Hospital and a member of the program’s high committee, pointed out several misconceptions circulating on social media, such as the idea that mammograms may cause thyroid cancer or spread it if present. She clarified that these claims are entirely false and affirmed the safety of mammograms, noting that X-ray imaging of the breast exposes patients to very small amounts of radiation that do not have negative effects. She said the benefits of mammography far outweigh any potential risks from radiation exposure. — KUNA