Dr. Hadeer Mustafa Mir, a consultant in radiation oncology, affirmed that the "10KSA" initiative represents a strategic turning point in the health awareness system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He pointed to its remarkable success in transforming the fight against cancer from mere traditional warning messages into an interactive community movement that resonates with the hearts and minds of citizens and residents. He explained that this movement primarily aims to instill a culture of "proactive prevention" instead of simply waiting for the disease to develop and then treating it.
Promoting the concept of comprehensive preventive health
In exclusive statements to Al-Youm, Dr. Mir explained that the initiative is a national model to be emulated, aligning with modern global trends and the Kingdom's vision of enhancing quality of life by adopting preventative healthcare concepts implemented in advanced societies. The importance of this approach lies in its ability to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases and lessen the economic and social burden of long-term cancer treatments. He noted that the combined efforts of the health, education, and media sectors under one umbrella have contributed to delivering a unified message that transcends generations and different age groups.
Why the color lavender?
Regarding the symbolic significance of the initiative, the consultant revealed the secret behind choosing "lavender" as the campaign's logo, explaining that it was not a random choice. Lavender is globally recognized as a symbol of raising awareness about all types of cancer without exception, thus broadening the initiative's scope beyond a single type to encompass the entirety of the health message. Furthermore, this color carries profound psychological connotations related to hope, tranquility, and optimism, reinforcing the idea that awareness and knowledge are the most powerful weapons in confronting the fear of illness.
Lifestyle: The decisive factor in the equation
Dr. Mir emphasized the need for a deep understanding of the causes of cancer, noting that genetic and hereditary factors are intricately intertwined with environmental and behavioral factors. He strongly warned against the "danger triangle" of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity, stressing that lifestyle modification is the first line of defense. He advised avoiding harmful dietary habits such as excessive consumption of processed meats and sugars, and replacing them with a diet rich in natural fiber and antioxidants.
Early detection: a lifeline
In a related context, Dr. Mir emphasized that early detection remains the "gold standard" and the cornerstone of reducing mortality rates. He affirmed that regular screenings, particularly for breast and colon cancers, can detect cellular changes before they develop into malignant tumors, or identify the disease in its early stages when cure rates are very high, thus transforming cancer from a fatal disease into a chronic condition that can be managed or completely cured.
A roadmap for sustainable health
The consultant concluded his remarks by outlining a roadmap for prevention based on a return to nature, embodied in a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and immediate cessation of smoking. He also emphasized the importance of the psychological aspect, noting that reducing stress and anxiety plays a pivotal role in boosting the immune system, thus making the body more resilient to various diseases.
