Raising The Pink Flag!

Oman Cancer Association (OCA) has been at the forefront of cancer awareness for years now. The Woman spoke to Honourable Yuthar Mohamed Al Rawahi, founder of OCA, on breast cancer awareness

In a recent press conference Dr Wahid Al Kharusi, President of Oman Cancer Association (OCA) raised an alarm on the increasing number of cancer patients. According to you, what is the need of the hour when it comes to raising awareness?

What steps should the government be taking? “It is very true what was said in the press conference by the president of OCA. All cancers are on the increase and in women, breast cancer is the number one cancer in Oman. We need to continue to increase awareness and not only reach to the women but also to the men so as they will encourage the female members of the family to be alert. We should not spare any modality. Self -breast examination (SBE) is the key for repeated regular examination that will give early diagnosis and a greater opportunity for total cure. We need to impress upon the community of the importance of early diagnosis. We need to see more coverage in all media especially social media. We need to reach to the mothers as educating the mother is educating a generation.

“As for the government it is doing an excellent job. We are extremely lucky to have medical facilities in our country, which are of high standards and free of charge. Even with the lately limited resources the standard of care and management has not been compromised but improved and the Oncology departments are doing an excellent job.”