The Directorate General of Health Services of Muscat Governorate, represented by the Department of Primary Health Care at the Ministry of Health (MOH), in cooperation with Oman Breast Cancer Society and Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Center organized today (Thursday) a health symposium on early detection of breast cancer in the conference hall of the main branch of Oman Arab Bank.

The inauguration of the symposium was held under the patronage of Her Highness Sayyidah Hujija bint Jaifar bint Saif al Said, in the presence of Dr. Thamra bint Saeed Al Ghafri, Director General of Health Services of Muscat Governorate.

The symposium aimed to raise awareness and urge women to perform the early detection of breast cancer. In addition, it enhances the role of healthcare providers at all levels of the healthcare system.

Dr. Samira Al-Maimani, Director of the Primary Health Care Department at the Directorate General of Health Services in Muscat Governorate touched upon the importance of benefiting from the services to conduct early screening for breast cancer which is available in all primary health care institutions in Muscat Governorate.

Leen Al-Atassi, Head of Corporate Communications at Oman Arab Bank, indicated that the cooperation between the Ministry of Health and the Bank comes within the framework of social responsibility to raise awareness on the importance of early detection of breast cancer.
The symposium included several lectures focusing on the definition of breast cancer, detection and prevention methods, treatment, the psychological and family dimension caused by the disease to the patient, the role of healthy food in avoiding the disease, as well as the importance of breastfeeding for the child.

It is worth noting that breast cancer occurs when some breast cells begin to grow abnormally and divide more quickly than the healthy cells and continue to accumulate and form a lump or tumor. The cells may spread through the breast to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Breast cancer affects both men and women, but it is more common among women. Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include a mass or thickening of the breast, and a change in breast size, shape, or appearance. The best way to prevent the disease is through early screening, healthy food, and adherence to healthy lifestyles.