Latakia Health Directorate Hosts Breast Cancer Awareness Lecture
The Latakia Health Directorate hosted a scientific awareness lecture on Monday titled “From Fear to Awareness,” as part of an ongoing initiative to enhance healthcare services within the governorate. Held at the Health Directorate’s auditorium, the session featured Dr. Maria Al-Hafez, a representative of the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), who provided a detailed overview of the importance of early breast cancer diagnosis and the various stages of treatment.
During the lecture, Dr. Al-Hafez emphasized that the primary objective of the session was to educate women on the early warning signs of the disease. She noted that increasing awareness enables medical professionals to intervene at the most opportune time, stressing that early detection is the critical factor in performing the necessary screenings that significantly improve the likelihood of a full recovery.
Dr. Bashir Taj Al-Din, Director of Health in Latakia, explained that the lecture was part of a designated “Scientific Day” organized by SAMS, covering specializations in oncology and histopathology. The event included a series of scientific lectures and educational workshops designed to foster the exchange of medical expertise and modernize current diagnostic protocols.
Dr. Taj Al-Din underscored the importance of a collaborative approach between the Health Directorate, international organizations, and civil society groups, describing such coordination as a cornerstone for supporting the Syrian health sector. He also highlighted the contributions of expatriate Syrian physicians in sharing knowledge and introducing the latest global therapeutic protocols, which directly supports efforts to rebuild the national healthcare system.
In the same context, Dr. Samar Shahada, Director of the Maternity and Children’s Hospital in Latakia, announced the Directorate’s preparations for the upcoming “Pink Month” awareness campaign, scheduled for October. She explained that the initiative will specifically target women over the age of 40, as well as those considered to be at higher risk. The campaign will encourage these groups to undergo mammography or ultrasound screenings as part of a comprehensive preventative detection plan.
These scientific activities are part of the fifteenth national campaign titled “Bridges of Recovery.” This initiative is being implemented by the Latakia Health Directorate in close cooperation with SAMS, the Medical Syndicate, the Faculty of Human Medicine, and the Latakia University Hospital, all working toward the common goal of enhancing community health awareness and further developing the skills of local medical personnel.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
