womanthismonth.com | OCTOBER 2025 HEALTH 25 Screening vs. Early Diagnosis While awareness is growing, confusion remains around medical terminology. Dr. Shayma Khalaf Muheisen, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Consultant at American Mission Hospital, clarifies an important distinction. “Early diagnosis of cancer focuses on detecting symptomatic patients as early as possible so they have the best chance for successful treatment,” she says. “Screening, on the other hand, identifies unrecognised disease in an apparently healthy population, often through mammograms or other simple tests.” Both approaches are essential. Early diagnosis helps women who already have symptoms get treated quickly, while screening empowers healthy women to catch cancer before it can be felt or seen. Dr. Muheisen encourages women to practise breast self-awareness, becoming familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts and promptly reporting changes. “Regular screening mammograms are crucial for finding cancer before it causes symptoms, and this is the best method for early detection for most women of screening age,” she adds. Like Dr. Aljubour, she highlights lifestyle choices that reduce risk: maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, avoiding smoking and embracing a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. A Future of Hope Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Bahraini women, with 244 new cases recorded in 2020. Yet, the difference today is profound: women are speaking out, healthcare systems are stronger and survival rates are improving thanks to early detection and modern treatments. “Eating a balanced diet, exercising, maintaining a moderate weight, breastfeeding and avoiding smoking and alcohol can all reduce your risk.” - Dr. Sally Adnan Aljubour “Regular screening mammograms are crucial for finding cancer before it causes symptoms, and this is the best method for early detection for most women of screening age.” - Dr. Shayma Khalaf Muheisen The journey is far from over. Some women are still diagnosed late and gaps in screening followup remain. But Bahrain has laid the foundation for a healthier, more empowered future, where awareness translates into action and early detection becomes the norm. This October, let the pink ribbon be more than a symbol. Let it be a reminder to schedule a mammogram, talk openly with loved ones and prioritise your health. Because as both Dr. Aljubour and Dr. Muheisen remind us, early action is the most powerful tool Bahraini women have in the fight against breast cancer.
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