Al-Zahraa National Hospital in Homs held a scientific day today, Wednesday, to raise awareness about the importance of early breast cancer detection, as part of Pink October events. Specialists in general surgery, gynecology and obstetrics, radiological diagnostics, and reproductive health participated in the event, aiming to enhance awareness of routine examinations and diagnostic and treatment methods.
The scientific day included four lectures and specialized workshops covering surgical approaches to diagnosing and treating breast cancer, awareness and early detection methods, radiological investigations and their availability, as well as the role of reproductive health in encouraging women to undergo regular examinations. These efforts contribute to detecting the disease in its early stages and improving recovery chances.
Early Detection Services in Homs
Dr. Mohammed Aboud, Head of the Reproductive Health Department at the Homs Directorate of Health and Executive Director of the National Campaign for Early Breast Cancer Detection, clarified that the campaign is implemented annually during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to spread awareness about the importance of early detection. He noted that recovery rates reach approximately 95 percent when the disease is detected in its early stages.
Aboud explained that the campaign includes awareness seminars in collaboration with Al-Zahraa Hospital and other hospitals. He pointed out that the governorate includes 115 reproductive health clinics staffed by specialized female cadres to perform clinical examinations while ensuring privacy, in addition to six mobile clinics and roaming teams comprising midwives and health educators.
Aboud mentioned the existence of three integrated breast care units in Karm al-Louz, Al-Zahraa, and Ibn Al-Waleed hospitals, which provide specialized clinical examinations, mammography, and ultrasound services, referring suspected cases for ultrasound-guided biopsies and analysis in the pathology laboratory. He confirmed that all services are free and available throughout the year, urging women to take the initiative for regular examinations and not hesitate to seek medical consultation.
Medical Integration and Overcoming Fear of Examination
For his part, Dr. Amer Saifo, Director of Al-Zahraa National Hospital in Homs, explained that the scientific day aims to enhance awareness of breast cancer and introduce the hospital's capabilities in providing early detection services. Saifo highlighted the importance of these activities in encouraging women to undergo early detection, identifying cases in their initial stages, and starting treatment in a timely manner, emphasizing the role of integration among medical specialties in improving healthcare quality.
For her part, Dr. Ghada Salibi, a fourth-year resident in radiology at the hospital, explained that the fear of radiation exposure leads some women to postpone examinations, which may result in detecting the disease in advanced stages. She confirmed the availability of ultrasound and mammography devices at the hospital throughout the year, explaining that they are complementary diagnostic tools, and the physician determines the need to use them based on the patient's condition.
The organization of the scientific day comes within the framework of health efforts aimed at spreading the culture of early breast cancer detection, enhancing awareness of the importance of routine examinations, and facilitating women's access to diagnostic and follow-up services, thereby helping to detect the disease in its early stages and initiate timely treatment.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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