Susan G Komen for the Cure, a global breast cancer movement, in association with Egyptian organisations, has lit the pyramids of Giza pink, sending out a message of breast cancer awareness on the eve of the historic Egypt Race for the Cure.

“While misconceptions and cultural stigma surround breast cancer in Egypt, advocates and survivors are proving that information and knowledge are crucial to saving lives,” said Nancy G Brinker, Komen Founder and United Nations’ WHO goodwill ambassador for cancer control.

“Illuminating the Great Pyramids of Giza pink will send a clear message to the world that breast cancer knows no boundaries, and that by working together, we can make great strides against this disease,” added Brinker.

Komen for the Cure also announced a slate of grants to Egyptian NGOs to support women’s health initiatives including vital breast cancer education, treatment and rehabilitation programs.

A new grant from Komen will support a mammography screening programme as well as a lymphedema awareness, prevention and treatment programme of Breast Cancer Foundation of Egypt (BCFE).

A second grant from Komen and The Links, one of the oldest and largest volunteer service organisations of African American women, will support a breast prosthesis programme of BCFE.

A third grant from Komen to the Suzanne Mubarak Women’s International Peace Movement founded by Suzanne Mubarak, First Lady of Egypt, will fund a women’s health and education programme.

“We are proud to be partnering with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, once again, for this important initiative in Egypt,” said Dr Gwendolyn Lee, national president of The Links.

“Regardless of our culture, demographics or where we are on the globe, breast cancer impacts us all,” Dr Lee added.

“Together, we are ensuring that our work in local communities and all around the world make a positive difference in the health and well being of women everywhere.”

GE Healthcare also supported the historic lighting of the pyramids of Giza. This year marks a significant milestone for the company as it commemorates the tenth anniversary of digital mammography, a breast cancer screening technology it introduced.

“Through our own research as well as partnerships with other industry innovators, GE is continuing to develop advanced technologies that could help improve breast cancer detection in the future,” said Richard di Benedetto, GE Healthcare’s president and CEO for the Eastern & Africa growth markets (EAGM) region.

Brinker is also leading a Komen mission delegation trip to Egypt where 40 US delegates will experience first-hand the state of breast cancer in Egypt as well as in other countries in the region. – TradeArabia News Service