Local café turns pink
Basra women promote early breast cancer detection at ‘Bloom with Awareness’ event
BASRA – Al-Zohour Café in the Tuwisa neighborhood turned pink on Sunday as women gathered for a session titled “Bloom with Awareness” to promote the benefits of early breast cancer screening. The event featured medical specialists and breast cancer survivors, who shared their stories and discussed the critical importance of early detection.
Organizer Istbraq Al-Ali told 964media, “We held this workshop, ‘Bloom with Awareness,’ to emphasise the importance of early breast cancer screening, coinciding with the global ‘Pink October’ initiative. The atmosphere was filled with emotions as we listened to advice from experts in the field and heard inspiring stories from breast cancer survivors.”
“Pink October”, also known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, is a global campaign held every October to raise awareness about breast cancer, promote early detection, and support those affected by the disease. Al-Ali highlighted that early detection can increase the recovery rate to over 90%. The event concluded with a flower arrangement activity, symbolising hope and life.
One participant, Bayar Al-Zaher, a human rights advocate, said, “I work in the field of human rights and believe women are often marginalised, with their health frequently overlooked. That’s why I am passionate about attending and participating in workshops that encourage women to prioritise their health and raise awareness of both physical and mental well-being.”
She added, “It was a vibrant Basra gathering, filled with positive energy despite the sensitive nature of the topic. It felt more like a space for sharing experiences, particularly from breast cancer survivors or those undergoing regular screenings, rather than just a workshop. I urge civil society organisations and health departments to focus on such important issues year-round, not just during one month.”
On October 6, Iraqi Health Ministry spokesperson Saif Al-Badr reported that Iraq’s overall cancer rates, including breast cancer, are in line with global averages and even lower than some neighbouring countries. However, he noted that breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the country. “Unfortunately, many cases in Iraq are detected at a late stage, despite patients experiencing symptoms. There’s often a delay in seeking medical care until the disease has advanced,” Al-Badr said.
He emphasised that early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment, potentially allowing for a simple tumour removal without the need for a full mastectomy or advanced therapies. “This approach is less expensive, has fewer side effects, and reduces the patient’s overall burden,” he added.