Prof. Hamzah: Promoting Health Awareness is Essential for Supporting Comprehensive Development

Prof. Hamzah: Promoting Health Awareness is Essential for Supporting Comprehensive Development
Dr. Aqilah: An Unhealthy Lifestyle Triggers the Onset of Cancer

The breast cancer and childhood cancer awareness day event at the University of Bahrain delivered a message of support to all cancer patients, emphasizing the importance of early detection to prevent disease progression and the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.

University President Prof. Riyad Yousif Hamzah inaugurated the event on Wednesday, October 23, 2019, which was organized by the College of Health and Sport Sciences on the occasion of Pink October. The event included an awareness exhibition set up by the college’s departments with active participation from students, alongside hospitals and associations supporting the event.

The event also featured medical screenings and various activities, including a blood donation campaign organized by the university’s health center.

The World Health Organization designates October as the awareness month for breast cancer, adopting the color pink as a symbol for campaigns it organizes across the globe.

Prof. Dr. Hamzah emphasized the importance of such events in raising awareness among the university community about adopting a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and nutritious diets. He stressed that the university is committed to graduating students who are not only qualified and capable but also healthy, so they can contribute effectively to comprehensive national development.
He stated:

“Undoubtedly, promoting health awareness throughout society is essential for driving comprehensive national development.”

The university president also expressed his gratitude to the organizers and supporters of the event, engaging in conversations with them during his tour of the exhibition held in the courtyard of the College of Business Administration at the Sakhir campus.

From her side, the Dean of the College of Health and Sport Sciences, Dr. Amal Aqilah, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the triggers of cancer, such as unhealthy lifestyles, lack of physical activity, poor diet, and disorganization that leads to increasing psychological and mental stress.

Dr. Aqilah called for regular early detection, especially among young women and girls—whether through self-examinations or medical checkups—pointing out that medical studies indicate higher recovery rates when cancer is detected early.

She praised the students’ involvement in the event, noting that most of the exhibits, activities, and printed materials at the exhibition were student-led, in addition to their organizational roles.

The event also attracted distinctive participation from hospitals and clinics, including:

• Royal Hospital for Women and Children
• Al Salam Specialist Hospital
• Royal Hospital
• American Mission Hospital
• MedHealth

Also participating was the “Smile Initiative” team, affiliated with the Future Youth Society, which is dedicated to providing psychological and social support for children with cancer.

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