JEDDAH: A new investigation by the Health Ministry has revealed a severe drop in the number of women who go for a breast cancer test, despite this being the most common cancer among women in the Kingdom.
A source at the ministry said that the number of women who underwent breast cancer tests didn’t exceed 20.7 percent, in comparison with 68.7 percent who didn’t. Some 10.6 percent had their mammograms.
He explained that mammogram uses an X-ray to screen for breast cancer or any suspicious change in the tissues, and is different from all other tests.
Breast cancer consultant Dr. Heba Al-Azimi said that the decline in the number of Saudi women undergoing early detection exams for breast cancer is mostly due to the lack of awareness among women with regard to the importance of this exam.
She explained that awareness campaigns executed in unpractical ways and during seasonal times only, were clearly inefficient, calling upon relevant parties to plan more efficient health programs to combat breast cancer.
She said that the Health Ministry’s statistics indicate that 2,700 breast cancer cases were detected in 2015, which comprises 19.9 percent of all other types of cancers.
This cancer is concentrated among women who are under 52 years old, unlike in Western countries where this disease often affects women over 65 years of age.
Jeddah-based Dr. Samia Al-Amoudi is a breast cancer survivor who wrote a book telling how she had successfully battled the disease. She is CEO of the Center of Excellence at the Al-Amoudi Center of King Abdul Aziz University.
Speaking to Arab News, she said: “Women tend to ignore the test because some still believe it is a death sentence, and others think that they would rather die of cancer than lose their breast.”
“Women become worried about their husbands’ reaction and think all cases end in mastectomy (total removal of breast), while some of them prefer not to know or discover the disease in an attempt to protect their daughters, as they think cancer is hereditary and people might not propose to their daughters, although hereditary forms of breast cancer constitute only 5 to 10 percent of overall breast cancer cases.”
Al-Amoudi stressed the fact that women need to be empowered with knowledge and need to know that early detection can save their lives and save their breasts from removal. They also might not need chemotherapy if diagnosed early.
“Women must know that there is a huge advancement in treatment today and even if they had a mastectomy, there is the option of plastic surgery,” she added.
Young women, according to Al-Amoudi, do not undergo mammograms, as the risk of cancer is higher among women at the age of 40 and above.
However, they are advised to do monthly breast self-examinations from the age of 20.
Al-Amoudi concluded with a message to women: “You must have a strong faith and discuss your rights and options with your doctor and do not delay doing mammogram if you are 40 and above, and if you have a family history of breast cancer, you might need to do it earlier and more frequently.”
MoH finds alarming ignorance of breast cancer facts
MoH finds alarming ignorance of breast cancer facts
Saudi traveler drives in search of the aurora
- ‘It felt like a dream,’ says 27-year-old Malik Al-Sultan after seeing the famed Northern Lights
JEDDAH: A Saudi adventurer has driven thousands of kilometers across continents in pursuit of one of the planet’s rarest natural spectacles.
Malik Al-Sultan set out from Riyadh in a modified Toyota Hilux, crossing Europe by road to reach northern Norway, where he witnessed the Northern Lights.
Auroras, or Northern Lights, are colorful and often delicate displays that occur when charged solar particles collide with Earth’s magnetic field and upper atmosphere. In the northern hemisphere, these shifting curtains of light are visible only during certain seasons.
“I love trying new experiences, seeking adventure, and facing challenges,” Al-Sultan told Arab News.
The idea of traveling long distances by car began in 2017 while Al-Sultan was in Switzerland with his family. “I saw a car there with a plate from one of the Gulf countries, and from that moment I was inspired,” he said.
Once his plans were complete, the destination was clear. “When everything was ready, I chose Norway.”
Al-Sultan, 27, is a university graduate and an employee who prefers simple travel. “I try to share my experience without exaggeration or change,” he said. “My goal is to visit as many countries as I can and share what I learn, what people need, and how much it costs.”
His journey took nearly three weeks of driving, with extended stops to explore several countries.
The route passed through Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Turkiye, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, France, the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and finally Norway.
Along the way, Al-Sultan relied on ferry crossings between France and the UK and between Denmark and Norway, as well as for some travel within Norway.
Driving alone for long distances was challenging. “It was a bit tiring, but I took breaks to rest,” he said. Friends joined him on some stages during the trip.
Al-Sultan made only essential modifications to his 2020 Toyota Hilux 4x4. “I changed the tires and some consumable parts,” he said. For winter conditions in Norway, he used special snow tires with metal studs.
He said the vehicle was tested in difficult conditions — “especially in remote areas, high elevations, changing weather, and long distances.” Among the main challenges were “long distances and difficulty finding accommodation late at night.”
The Northern Lights are best seen in the night sky and far away from city lights. The aurora season usually begins in late September and lasts until late March. Even during this period, witnessing the phenomenon requires luck, and many aurora hunters return home disappointed.
Al-Sultan reached northern Norway near the city of Bodo, where he saw the Northern Lights earlier this month, close to the Rana area.
“It felt like a dream,” he said. “At first, I thought it was clouds or factory smoke reflecting light.”
The lights appeared in green and red, and remained visible for more than half an hour.
Reflecting on the experience, Al-Sultan said the journey taught him patience and self-reliance. “It showed me the value of endurance, trusting my own judgment, and making decisions independently,” he said. “I also discovered how to embrace and even enjoy challenges.”
During the trip, he was warmly hosted by families in different countries. People “were genuinely excited about my journey, and their enthusiasm grew even more when they learned I’m from Saudi Arabia,” he said. “They were also curious about the purpose of my journey and where I was headed.”
Despite the freezing temperatures during the trip, Al-Sultan chose to wear traditional Saudi attire.
“The thobe and shemagh are part of my identity, and I’m proud of them,” he said. “I feel most comfortable wearing them, so it was the natural choice.”
Al-Sultan added that this helped showcase “the true image of the Saudi citizen,” and he hoped he had represented his country positively.
His journey is far from over. “My next goal,” he said, “is to reach Iceland.”
