Kuwait ranks first in the Gulf in breast cancer rates
KUWAIT CITY, Oct 1: The Ministry of Health continues its efforts in early breast cancer detection through the National Program for Early Detection of Breast Diseases, which was launched in 2014, according to Dr. Asmaa Hussein, Head of the program. The initiative runs year-round, targeting women for early screening and preventive measures.
As part of its digital transformation, the Ministry has introduced a new service for early breast cancer detection through the "Sahel" and "Kuwait Health" applications. Dr. Hussein explained that this service is designed to facilitate early diagnostic scans to prevent and combat breast cancer. Statistics show that breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in Kuwait, with advancing age increasing the risk of developing the disease.
Dr. Latifa Al-Kandari, Head of the Radiology Department at Al-Adan Hospital, reported that Kuwait ranks first in the Gulf in breast cancer rates, attributing the rise to unhealthy lifestyles, stress, and lack of physical activity. She revealed that the hospital conducted mammogram exams for 1,728 women during 2023 and 2024, discovering 70 cases of breast cancer in 2023 and 64 cases in 2024. Dr. Al-Kandari also shared additional data: 2,410 mammograms with dye, 3,687 3D mammograms, 8,656 breast ultrasounds, 1,588 breast tissue samples, 1,140 fine needle aspirations, 179 stereotactic needle biopsies, and 71 vacuum-assisted biopsies.
Dr. Khaled Al-Saleh, Chairman of the National Campaign for Cancer Awareness (CAN), noted that cancer detection rates in Kuwait and the Gulf have risen by 1 to 5 percent annually, based on Gulf Cancer Registry statistics. He emphasized the growing awareness of early detection and the increasing recognition of cancer risk factors within Kuwaiti society.
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