Bethlehem University’s Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences in cooperation with the Public Health Center in Bethlehem held a breast cancer awareness workshop on Monday November 6, 2017.
Furno Hall, where the two hour workshop was held, was full of students, faculty and staff in addition to guests who were interested in the subject.
Dr. Michael Sansour, Executive Vice President of Bethlehem University, expressed pride in the university’s oncology students and the Oncology Nursing program which is unique in Palestine.
Ms. Mariam Awad, Dean of Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, welcomed the attendees. She stressed that the faculty contributes in raising health awareness through its curriculum which goes in line with the university’s mission of providing quality higher education and preparing students to assume leading positions in society.Ms. Awad stated that “mammogram is much more important than Instagram” to encourage women to do a screening test. She also mentioned the faculty is looking to expand its services through the establishment of a new nursing building where the first floor will be dedicated to prevention and awareness services in addition to antenatal and postnatal care. She invited attendees to participate in the Gala dinner that will take place on November 24, 2017, as its proceeds will go to the establishment of the building.
Dr. Imad Shehadeh, the Director of the Public Health Center in Bethlehem, described breast cancer as cunning since it starts without pain. He explained that 388 new cases of breast cancer were recorded in 2016 in Palestine. He continued that the main reason to raise awareness about breast cancer was the high chance of cure if diagnosed early and treated adequately.
An in-depth workshop was held by Dr. Bisan Maraqa, who is responsible for performing the screening tests (mammogram) at the Public Health Center, on breast cancer awareness and early prevention. She focused on the risk factors for breast cancer. She also showed the attendees how to perform a breast self-exam to check for lumps or other breast changes that may signal breast cancer.
Dr. Hanan Saca, faculty member, presented her research on breast cancer with statistics and other factors that reflect the level of awareness among the communities.
A breast cancer survivor shared her experience and message of hope. Then, Bethlehem University nursing students performed a play that showed the awareness level on breast cancer in the community.
Cancer ranks as the second cause of death while breast cancer ranks as the first cause of death from cancer overall in Palestine.
