First Lady urges importance of breast cancer awareness, encourages multi-faceted approach

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, speaking at the inaugural event for the fifth Annual Symposium on Breast Cancer Awareness today, underscored the importance of a multi-faceted approach to breast cancer, and taking proactive measures to spread awareness about and prevent breast cancer.

The event, which was held at Hotel Jen, was part of national efforts to raise awareness and promote early detection of breast cancer.

In her speech, Sajidha suggested combining medical expertise, psychological support and public engagement to improve awareness and patient care.

She said that for some patients, cancer of the breast becomes a private matter, and a topic too taboo to speak out in public about, reflecting on her own experience in witnessing those who passed away from the disease, and those who beat cancer, and survived.

As such, she called to talk about this life and death matter boldly, foregoing hesitance, and wondering what people may say.

Addressing the general public, she implored women to take pro-active measures to tackle cancer, especially breast cancer, and encouraged the public to work together to provide moral support to cancer patients.

She also highlighted the need for a collaborative effort in tackling breast cancer, promoting early detection and comprehensive care, urging women above the age of 40 to do mammograms and self-examinations for early detection.

The First Lady noted the availability of chemotherapy across many regional hospitals in the country; a milestone in increasing accessibility to treatment.

Sajidha also praised Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) for the dedicated efforts to tackle breast cancer in the country, and Cancer Society for their efforts to break the stigma around cancer and offer evidence-based information.

She also touched on the National Cancer Control Plan 2022-2026, highlighting the government's efforts to provide a multi-faceted approach to combat Cancer. As such, she noted the government’s commitment to developing a state-of-the-art cancer hospital to alleviate the suffering of cancer patients; a plan in the works since the previous administration.

According to the President's Office, the symposium brought together healthcare professionals and experts to discuss key aspects of breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, and patient care.

Senior Consultant in Radiology, Dr Fathimath Mufliha, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the importance of mammograms as the gold standard for early breast cancer detection.

Dr Afiya Ali, Principal Clinical Psychologist at IGMH, spoke on 'Facing Fear, Finding Strength: Understanding the Role of Psychological Oncology', and Fathimath Limya, Pharmaceutical Manager at the State Trading Organisation, also shared her expertise on the pharmaceutical aspects of breast cancer treatment.

While cancer takes many forms and presents itself in different parts of the body, Maldives is in the process of banning vapes and electric cigarettes in the country, and increasing taxes imposed on tobacco products.