Groundbreaking MENA Breast Cancer Advocacy Conference advances breast cancer awareness

The conference marks another significant milestone in the collaborative efforts that began in 2006 when the Partnership was launched by United States First Lady Laura Bush. The goal of the Partnership is to reduce breast cancer mortality in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) by uniting local champions in the United States and the MENA region to exchange ideas, and collaborate on research, outreach, and awareness programs.

This conference will be the first of its kind in the Middle East, focusing on breast cancer through the lens of advocacy and awareness work. It will bring together more than 100 leading breast cancer advocates, survivors, government officials, and physicians from 15 MENA countries and the United States, representing over 30 organizations that range from national cancer societies to local support groups. The conference aims to foster dialogue about the challenges facing breast cancer advocates, open channels of communication between advocates, and teach strategies to improve the efficacy of efforts against breast cancer in participants' communities.

Kent Patton, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs at the US State Department, said:

"In the Middle East and North Africa, many women seek consultation or treatment at a late stage of the disease. Through the education, outreach, and advocacy initiatives conference participants launch, women in neighborhoods around the region will understand the importance of screening, early detection, and treatment."

Participants will hear remarks from keynote speakers like H.E. Dr. Salah Mawajadeh, Jordanian Minister of Health; HRH Princess Dina Mired, Honorary Chairperson of the Jordanian National Breast Cancer Committee; HRH Princess Ghida Tala, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation; Robert S. Beecroft, U.S. Ambassador to Jordan; Dr. Benjamin Anderson, chair and director of the Breast Health Global Initiative; Hala Moddelmog, President and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure; as well as personal stories from survivors and regional advocates.

"Advocates and other participants in this conference are leading the way, inspiring change and putting into motion collaborative efforts to bring about recognition throughout the region, and globally, that with early detection and access to quality treatment, breast cancer is a survivable disease," said Hala Moddelmog, president and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.