Early Detection Changes the Course of the story … Comprehensive Awareness Campaigns in “Pink October”
Pink Month is an opportunity to renew interest in women’s health and raise awareness of the importance of prevention and early detection of breast cancer, by spreading accurate health information and encouraging women to undergo regular checkups and monitor any changes that may occur.
In this context, GOPA-DERD’s team, implemented a set of awareness and health activities aimed at promoting health knowledge, facilitating access to screening and consultation services, and supporting women in various areas.
In As-Sweida, GOPA-DERD’s “CARMA 6” Center’s team, in cooperation with Caritas Austria, implemented an awareness session as part of the Pink October activities for breast cancer awareness.
The session emphasized that health awareness is not limited to providing information, but extends to include psychological support, boosting self-confidence, and encouraging women to care for their health as a fundamental right.
The session included a medical component during which a gynecologist provided information on the importance of early detection of breast cancer, self-examination methods, and the necessity of regular medical follow-ups, contributing to raising awareness about the importance of prevention and detecting any changes that require medical evaluation.
The session also addressed the importance of mental health and self-care, affirming that taking care of oneself is not a luxury, but a necessity to maintain psychological balance.
The session witnessed remarkable engagement from the women, who participated in the discussions and interacted with the presented messages in an atmosphere that reflected the importance of providing safe and supportive spaces that allow women to express their feelings and enhance their sense of solidarity and hope.
In latakia, GOPA-DERD’s Community Center’ team in Latakia, organized a series of awareness sessions for women in each of Al-Haffah, Jableh, and Ras Shamra.
The sessions addressed topics such as breast cancer awareness and combating gender-based violence, providing a safe space for dialogue and knowledge exchange. They also highlighted the importance of regular checkups and early detection, as well as promoting women’s awareness of their rights, and supporting their participation and empowerment.
And as part of promoting health awareness, a group of GOPA-DERD’s female volunteers participated in an awareness session on breast cancer, delivered by Lattakia Health Directorate.
GOPA-DERD’s team in latakia, also participated in one of the health awareness events organized by the Health Directorate in the governorate.
The event included a review of the statistics and activities implemented in Latakia during the Pink Month, as well as introducing the services provided by the Syrian Breast Cancer Association to women survivors, and highlighting its role in supporting them.
During their participation, GOPA-DERD’s team, distributed a number of awareness brochures about breast cancer. In addition, dignity kits were provided to the women survivors and participants in the event, contributing to supporting awareness efforts and promoting interest in health, prevention, and early detection.
In Daraa, GOPA-DERD’s Community Center’s team in Ghabagheb conducted a series of awareness sessions with the participation of more than 50 women.
The sessions covered the definition of the disease, methods of prevention and treatment, as well as training on the steps of breast self-examination and emphasizing the importance of performing it regularly, which contributes to noticing any changes that require consulting medical professionals.
GOPA-DERD’s Community Center’s team in Busra Al-Harir also organized a discussion session with a member of the medical staff at Izraa National Hospital, which addressed the role of health sector workers in promoting community awareness of breast cancer, encouraging women to undergo regular check-ups, and the importance of coordination and integration between medical staff and volunteer teams in implementing awareness activities and establishing sound health practices in the community.
In a related context, GOPA-DERD’s Community Center’s team in Daraa concluded the sessions of the “Girls’ Shine” program, with the participation of 20 girls.
The concluding sessions focused on enhancing health and personal awareness among the girls, and enabling them to transfer knowledge to their local communities and contribute to spreading a culture of prevention. This took place in cooperation with UNHCR.
In turn, GOPA-DERD’s “Beituna” Center’s team in Daraa, in cooperation with NCA, conducted a number of awareness sessions for more than 50 women, addressing the risks of breast cancer and ways to prevent it, with a focus on the importance of self-examination and its role in noticing changes that require a doctor’s visit.
In continuation of these efforts, GOPA-DERD’s “CARMA” Center’s team in Daraa, organized a set of educational sessions for more than 60 women, providing information about breast cancer and methods of prevention, along with a practical and detailed explanation of the steps of self-examination. in cooperation with Caritas Austria.
In Deir ez-Zor, GOPA-DERD’s “Darb” Center’s team carried out an awareness and interactive activity, in the presence of the Director of Social Affairs and Labor, representatives of the local community, international organizations and a number of women. This took place in cooperation with UNFPA, and in coordination with the Syrian Family Planning Association (SFPA) in Deir ez-Zor.
The activity included dialogue sessions that addressed safe self-examination methods at home and the importance of regular follow-up. In addition, the role of psychological and social support in assisting women during their treatment journey were highlighted.
Additionally, a series of short films was screened, documenting success stories of women who overcame the disease and highlighting the importance of surrounding support in empowering them to face challenges throughout their recovery journey.
The activity concluded by emphasizing the importance of concerted efforts between institutions and the local community to raise awareness, encourage women to seek early detection and medical consultation, which contributes to improving treatment prospects and outcome, as well as providing psychosocial support throughout the various stages of treatment and recovery.
GOPA-DERD’s “Darb” Center’s team, the Safe Space for Women and Girls in both Al-Hasakah and Raqqa, also implemented a set of activities and awareness sessions, in cooperation with UNFPA.
The sessions focused on the importance of early detection and undergoing necessary medical checkups. They also covered several topics on the importance of mental health, enhancing self-confidence, and encouraging women and girls to take care of their health.