KUWAIT CITY, Nov 1: Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi affirmed on Friday that the Kuwait Breast Cancer Conference serves as both a scientific and humanitarian platform, promoting a health culture that places human well-being at its core. He emphasized that the Ministry of Health is committed to advancing early detection and comprehensive treatment of breast cancer, aligning its efforts with the latest global medical innovations.

In his opening remarks at the conference, Dr. Al-Awadhi cited World Health Organization (WHO) data from 2022, which recorded over 2.3 million new cases of breast cancer among women worldwide. He warned that projections published in The Lancet estimate a nearly 38 percent increase in global cases by 2050. These alarming figures, he said, highlight the urgency of strengthening early detection initiatives — a critical factor in improving recovery outcomes, with the American Cancer Society reporting that early-stage detection yields a five-year survival rate exceeding 99 percent.

Dr. Al-Awadhi outlined a series of national efforts led by the Ministry to combat breast cancer, including the launch of the National Program for Early Detection of Breast Diseases across Kuwait’s six governorates and the establishment of a rapid diagnostic clinic at the Kuwait Cancer Control Center, where test results are provided within 48 hours. He also noted the opening of the first regional genetics laboratory dedicated to detecting genetic mutations and identifying targeted treatments.

Further strengthening the country’s oncology services, the Ministry introduced breast cancer care units at Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital and formed a specialized surgical and cosmetic team capable of performing excisional and reconstructive procedures simultaneously—using both traditional and laparoscopic methods. In addition, Kuwait now offers advanced hormonal, immunological, and targeted therapies, as well as state-of-the-art antibody-based chemotherapy.

Dr. Al-Awadhi stressed that developing a world-class healthcare system depends on qualified professionals, continuous training, and the practical application of medical knowledge to serve humanity. He praised the participation of experts and specialists at the conference, describing their engagement as a vital element in enhancing healthcare quality in Kuwait.

For his part, Conference Chairman Dr. Anwar Al-Nouri highlighted that hosting the Kuwait Breast Cancer Conference reaffirms the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening evidence-based medical practice and keeping pace with the latest advancements in breast cancer research and treatment.

Dr. Al-Nouri noted that breast cancer accounts for around 13 percent of cancer-related deaths worldwide. He said the conference provides a specialized scientific forum to showcase cutting-edge developments in immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted treatments, as well as to review leading international research published by the American and European Societies of Medical Oncology.

A group photo of conference participants.

Opening of the Kuwait Breast Cancer Conference.