Ministry of Health to open new Kuwait Cancer Control Centre

• The incidence of breast cancer in Kuwait aligns with global rates, but in the Middle East, the age of onset is approximately ten years younger than in other regions of the world.

Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, the Minister of Health, emphasized that breast cancer poses a significant global challenge, affecting one in every eight women worldwide. He noted that the ministry prioritizes the treatment of cancer patients, including those with breast cancer, alongside other chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart conditions.

Dr. Al-Awadhi also announced that the ministry is actively working to establish the new Kuwait Cancer Control Centre, which will have a capacity of 618 beds, as reported by Al Rai newspaper.

The Minister of Health stated in his speech during the opening of the cancer surgery conference organized by the ministry on Sunday that the conference focuses on breast cancer and emphasizes the importance of bringing together experts from various disciplines. This represents a golden opportunity for them to exchange experiences and knowledge, develop new strategies to combat this disease, improve the lives of breast cancer patients, and reduce their suffering.

He pointed out that the conference provides an ideal platform for building strong partnerships that will enhance cooperation between the public and private sectors, as well as civil society. This reflects the ministry’s commitment to developing the health sector, keeping pace with the latest advancements in tumor treatment, and the importance of investing in scientific research to create new and effective treatments.

The minister noted that breast cancer was one of the most common types of cancer worldwide in 2020, with 2.26 million cases reported. According to published studies, one in eight women develops breast cancer.

He pointed out that this calls for increasing community awareness about the importance of early detection, periodic medical examinations, and a strong understanding of the risk factors that elevate the likelihood of breast cancer in Kuwaiti society. He emphasized that the earlier the disease is detected, the greater the chance of recovery, with a wider range of treatment options available, thus avoiding large-scale surgeries and arduous treatments.

The minister expressed pride in Jaber Hospital receiving international recognition from the Surgical Review Corporation as a center of excellence in breast surgery, making it the seventh hospital worldwide in this field.

He noted that this health achievement results from the diligent and dedicated work of all the staff in the Breast Surgery Unit at Jaber Hospital, which testifies to the quality of services provided and adherence to the latest international standards.

He also mentioned that the number of cases reviewed in the clinics of this unit has reached 1,401 new cases, including 200 cases of breast cancer, while the number of surgeries performed has reached 110, including 55 cases of removal and restoration.

Al-Awadhi stated that the ministry launched the National Program for Early Detection of Breast Diseases in 2014, aimed at the early detection of breast cancer in women over the age of 40. The program includes five centers distributed across the governorates of Kuwait and provides advanced examinations such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosis.

He pointed out that more than 40,000 women have been examined, and 380 suspected cases have been transferred to specialized centers for treatment. The appointment system was also updated using the “Sahl” application to facilitate booking, alongside intensified awareness efforts in various state institutions, hospitals, and health centers.

He stressed that the ministry is actively working to open the new Kuwait Cancer Centre, which will have a capacity of 618 beds, noting that the current center contains only 214 beds. This large medical facility will be a significant addition to Kuwait’s health system, equipped with modern devices for radiotherapy and other treatments.

For her part, Dr. Heba Ibrahim, Senior Specialist in Plastic Surgery, Reconstruction, and Cancer Tumor Surgery, said that the Minister of Health’s patronage of the conference reflects his commitment to enhancing the level of healthcare in Kuwait.

She appreciated the presence of the French Ambassador to Kuwait, Olivier Goffin, emphasizing the depth of the distinguished relations between the two countries in education and health development.

She stated that the three-day workshop brought together experts and specialists in the field of breast cancer treatment from both Kuwait and abroad to highlight the latest methods of breast surgeries worldwide.

She noted the deep attention given by the Republic of France to health in general and cancer in particular, emphasizing that cancer remains a challenge and that it is necessary to devote our energies to prevention and recovery, in addition to patient follow-up after cancer treatment.

She mentioned that the workshop brings together various specialties, including surgery, tumor surgery, pathology, radiology, and radiation therapy, with the participation of experts from international hospitals such as GustaveRoussy in France to exchange experiences and develop treatments for breast cancer.

She explained that alongside the advanced workshop, several accompanying workshops are being held, including one on performing biopsies through imaging, a workshop on tissue studies, and another for live surgeries.

She highlighted that the workshop focuses on the types of breast resection and reconstruction, particularly immediate restoration and cosmetic tumor removal, as well as modern radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

She pointed out that Kuwait has made significant achievements in the treatment of breast cancer, including the establishment of a specialized breast cancer unit at Jaber Hospital two years ago, which encompasses all relevant specialties to provide the best care for patients.

In turn, Dr. Salah Fayaz, the head of the Oncology Unit at the Kuwait Cancer Control Centre, stated that the conference includes a variety of experiences from different disciplines related to breast cancer, emphasizing that the treatment of breast cancer is now a multidisciplinary approach involving various specialties.

He stressed the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, emphasizing the need to enhance awareness, particularly given the presence of cases diagnosed in the late stages of the disease.

He pointed out that the ministry has access to the latest treatments for all types of breast cancer, noting that this has contributed to high recovery rates. However, greater efforts are needed to raise awareness about the importance of early detection, as it significantly increases the chances of recovery.

He mentioned that the incidence of breast cancer in Kuwait aligns with global rates, but in the Middle East, the age of onset is approximately ten years younger than in other regions of the world. This discrepancy may be due to genetic or environmental factors, highlighting the necessity for increased awareness.