Amal Al-Sibai

Saudi Gazette

 

JEDDAH — The joint efforts of volunteers, cancer survivors, oncologists, college students and Shababuna (a youth community center) culminated in a public cancer awareness campaign at Al-Salam Mall in Jeddah Thursday.

The theme of the event was simple but deep: We are together.



“In the past, it was considered improper to even say the word cancer when in social circles. Our elders used to refer to cancer as ‘that’ illness or ‘the evil one’ or the ‘far away illness’. Today, cancer awareness has improved and so have the treatment options and survival rates. We need to be able to talk about cancer so we can understand it and help members of our society in preventing and treating cancer,” said Dr. Rayan Karkadan, participant of the campaign.



As a prelude to this event, for months young volunteers have been visiting cancer patients in Jeddah on a regular basis, listening to their stories and offering social and moral support — and giving them the gift of hope.



A book has been compiled by Dunyah Abdul Haleem, which is the first of its kind and is a collection of stories written by individuals whose lives have been touched in one way or another by cancer. The book portrays the different experiences of cancer patients and their families and it dispels false information and stereotypes that many people in the Kingdom have about cancer.



The goal of the event "We Are Together" was to shed light in a creative way on the different dimensions that can promote better health, in the life of the average healthy person and the cancer patient. The window of treatment that manages illness has been broadened and it now includes targeting the social, psychological, physical and spiritual health of the patient.



To complement the conventional cancer treatments (surgery, radiation and chemotherapy), the patient should be surrounded by an environment in the home and the healthcare center that fosters love, encouragement, patience, faith, optimism and active involvement.



Talented artists were awarded for drawing pictures that carry meaningful messages to cancer patients and also paintings that depict preventive measures. In addition to the informative educational lectures, there were group discussions and activities for attendees to participate in, such as writing inspirational messages to cancer patients.