Early detection offers women better treatment options and chance of recovery: First Lady

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has emphasised that early detection of breast cancer gives women more treatment options, greater hope and a better chance of recovery, urging women not to delay seeking medical advice or undergoing appropriate screening.

The First Lady made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 7th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Symposium, held today under the theme ‘From Detection to Recovery: Optimising Breast Cancer Care’.

In her address, the First Lady highlighted breast cancer as an important health priority for the Maldives and encouraged women to remain attentive to changes in their breasts and seek medical advice promptly. She noted that early diagnosis can make a significant difference by providing more treatment options and enabling care to begin at a stage when the chances of successful treatment may be greater.

She also emphasised the importance of strengthening diagnostic capacity through modern equipment and specialised expertise, noting the potential of artificial intelligence to identify subtle changes at an early stage. She stressed the need to continue developing the healthcare workforce to ensure the effective use of advanced technologies.

The First Lady underscored the importance of timely, coordinated and patient-centred care, noting that patients should receive clear information, dignity, compassion and emotional support alongside medical treatment.

Addressing the challenges posed by the Maldives’ geography, she stressed that distance should not limit access to care or determine the quality or timeliness of treatment. She called for continued efforts to strengthen breast cancer services across the country, improve referral pathways and make specialised care more accessible.

The First Lady also acknowledged women who have undergone or are undergoing treatment, as well as those who have lost loved ones to breast cancer. She reaffirmed the importance of placing women at the centre of care and ensuring that those undergoing treatment can live with dignity.

Concluding her remarks, the First Lady urged women not to allow fear to delay seeking medical advice or undergoing screening, emphasising that early detection should bring hope for earlier diagnosis, greater treatment options and a better chance of recovery.