MUSCAT : The Ministry of Health has launched a year-long national campaign to promote early detection of breast cancer, encourage regular screening among women and improve awareness of the importance of identifying the disease at an early stage.

The campaign, launched by the Directorate General of Health Services in Muscat Governorate under the slogan “Rest Assured”, aims to strengthen preventive healthcare and encourage women to make use of available screening services.

Dr Fakhriya bint Rashid Al Rashidiya, Director of the Women and Child Health Department at the Directorate General of Health Services in Muscat Governorate, said the campaign reflects the ministry’s commitment to improving women’s health, strengthening preventive measures and expanding community awareness.

She said the initiative will run for a full year and requires coordinated efforts from government institutions, private sector organisations and civil society to reach women across the governorate.
Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, with more than 2.3 million new cases reported annually.

According to data from Oman’s National Cancer Registry, breast cancer accounts for between 30.8 percent and 31.5 percent of all cancer cases registered among Omani women. The country records an average of nearly 400 cases annually, with the average age at diagnosis standing at 47.

Muscat Governorate accounts for approximately 37.7 percent of the breast cancer cases registered across the Sultanate, highlighting the importance of expanding awareness initiatives and improving access to early detection services.

Dr Al Rashidiya also highlighted improvements in early diagnosis indicators following the Ministry of Health’s prevention and awareness efforts. Cases diagnosed at the advanced fourth stage have declined by 41 percent, while early-stage diagnoses have increased by 86 percent, with around 65 percent of cases now identified during the earlier stages.

She stressed that early detection plays a vital role not only in improving survival prospects but also in reducing the physical and other burdens associated with cancer treatment.

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