Awareness Day: Raising Awareness and Promoting Solidarity

On Sunday, June 29, NABD–BC2 organized an impactful awareness day at the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Services in Kenitra under the theme: “Together Through Awareness and Support: Planting Hope and Fighting Stigma.” This initiative, generously sponsored by Novartis Laboratories, offered a unique platform for education and solidarity, bringing together medical professionals, mental health and social specialists, and civic actors to strengthen community awareness about the importance of early detection of breast and cervical cancer, and to challenge cultural and social barriers that hinder timely care.

In her opening remarks, NABD–BC2 President, Mrs. Ikram Eseghir, expressed her deep pride in the presence of participants and described the event as “a gathering under the umbrella of hope and humanity.” She emphasized that the initiative embodies the spirit of solidarity and targeted health awareness. She also extended special thanks to Dr. Naima El Habri from the Kenitra Reproductive Health Reference Center for her tireless efforts in early cancer detection, stressing that a cancer diagnosis is not the end, but that early detection opens the door to hope, raising recovery chances to over 90% in many cases.

Dr. Naima El Habri delivered a comprehensive scientific presentation titled “Early Detection of Breast and Cervical Cancer,” highlighting epidemiological data and key risk factors. She noted that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally, affecting one in eight, while cervical cancer ranks fourth in prevalence. Dr. El Habri emphasized the importance of self-examinations, clinical screenings, imaging, and preventive vaccines as effective early detection methods. She also highlighted the impact of national screening programs supported by the Lalla Salma Foundation for Cancer Prevention and Treatment, which since 2010 have empowered thousands of women through early diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes.

In the second segment, psychosocial specialist Nadia Belbah explored the social and cultural dimensions of cancer in her presentation, “Social and Cultural Representations of Breast Cancer and Their Influence on Medical Decision-Making.” She shed light on how societal perceptions and stereotypes can create psychological barriers that delay disclosure and treatment, discussing themes such as pain, patience, fear of job loss, and social marginalization. Belbah offered an in-depth reading of the concept of illness from biological, social, and cultural perspectives, highlighting how personal experiences of disease extend to collective and institutional levels, requiring comprehensive state interventions. Her presentation conveyed powerful messages: urging women to prioritize their health, men to provide emotional support, families to offer care and encouragement, society to reject stigma, media to correct stereotypes, and the state to ensure equal access to early detection and treatment.

The day concluded with an interactive discussion where participants engaged actively with the presentations, recognizing the scientific, social, and human significance of the shared knowledge. All speakers and attendees agreed on the value of expanding such awareness initiatives, which not only educate about medical issues but also address cultural and social aspects related to illness, emphasizing that collective awareness and societal solidarity are vital in the fight against cancer.

The event closed with a symbolic tribute reflecting gratitude, with commemorative gifts and certificates of appreciation presented to Dr. Naima El Habri for her scientific contribution and awareness efforts, and to Nadia Belbah for her valuable insights on the psychosocial dimensions of disease. The day ended on a warm note with a tea reception that fostered human connection, hope, and solidarity among all participants.

The event received wide press coverage, and NABD–BC2 extends heartfelt thanks to the journalists and media outlets who highlighted its significance, helping to amplify its message of hope and awareness. Our gratitude also goes to the distinguished speakers for their valuable contributions, the guests for their presence and engagement, and the dedicated teams working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of the event.