By Karin Joseph | Head of Partnerships & Gender
Al Ahli Arab Hospital seeks to educate 5,000 women a year in Gaza about the importance of self examination and breast cancer screening. They aim to screen over 3,000 women over 40, every year.
At Al Ahli’s breast screening clinic, women receive mammograms and while waiting to be checked, are shown how to perform a self-examination using prosthetic breasts which women can wear over their clothing. Some of the prosthetics are made with lumps and some without, so that women can gain an understanding of what they are looking for.
If any suspicious lumps are found the women are immediately offered ultrasound and a surgical consultation, followed by a ‘Trucut’ biopsy or fine needle aspiration (whichever is most appropriate) to confirm a diagnosis. The hospital will provide the proper course of action if a woman has a positive diagnosis. If she needs radiotherapy (outside of Gaza), they will recommend visas and put her in touch with local groups to help with transport and support.
However, Al Ahli’s team is busy long before and after the point of women coming to clinics to be screened. Beforehand, they run community awareness programmes encouraging women to come and get screened, challenging the stigma of self-examination and demystifying the process of mammograms and, if needed, treatment.
If a woman is diagnosed with cancer, she is supported through the process of diagnosis, treatment and beyond. Health Mind and Body groups are held for those who’ve received a positive diagnosis, where women can socialise again, share their experiences,receive psychosocial support and be listened to.
“When I heard the news I collapsed in the doctor’s office. I never imagined I would be a breast cancer patient. The Al Ahli hospital helped me to survive cancer, but fear and despair still controlled me. Their psychological and mental well-being support helped me to overcome this as well. I now feel like I have learned to love life more, and to love myself more. Sometimes I still feel pain from the surgery but I go out in nice clothes and love life. ”
Eman lives in Gaza City. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022.
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