LOC18:35
15:35 GMT
CAIRO, Sept 30 (KUNA) -- The Arab League on Tuesday emphasized the critical importance of awareness, early detection, and community support in combating breast cancer, one of the most common cancers affecting women.
This came in a statement marking the Arab Breast Cancer Awareness Day, observed annually on October 1 under the regional initiative "The Pink Portfolio: An Initiative for Arab Women's Health," adopted by the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit and the Council of Arab Health Ministers.
The League said the initiative encourages investment and resource mobilization to provide early detection services, raise awareness, ensure treatment, and offer affordable breast screening services across the Arab region.
It noted the General Secretariat's commitment to raising awareness among women, highlighting the disease's impact on families and the need for broad community engagement in prevention and support efforts.
This year's awareness day is held under the slogan "Check Now," underscoring the vital role early screening plays in prevention and improving recovery rates.
The Arab League stressed that the day serves as an opportunity to reaffirm support for breast cancer patients and survivors, promote a culture of solidarity and hope, and advance healthcare services, diagnostics, treatment, and psychosocial support.
This aligns with the 2017 Riyadh Declaration on Arab Women's Health, which called for promoting self-exams, regular mammograms, and enhanced health education for women.
The League announced plans to hold a breast cancer screening campaign for female staff at its Cairo headquarters, in cooperation with Egypt's Ministry of Health, from November 2 to 6, 2025. The initiative is part of the League's annual observance of Arab Breast Cancer Awareness Day. (end)
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