At Zain’s Interactive Forum, Doctors Reveal Key Facts About Breast Cancer and Stress the Importance of Early Detection

Khartoum – Sudanhorizon

Sudanese Mobile Telephone Company “Zain” organised an interactive forum as part of its annual breast cancer awareness campaign for October 2026. The event brought together leading oncology and radiology consultants and a breast cancer survivor, aiming to correct misconceptions and raise awareness of the importance of early detection and treatment.

Participants included Professor Dafallah Abu Idris and Dr Nahla Jaafar, oncology consultants; Dr Ibrahim Ali Al-Mahi, a diagnostic radiology consultant; and Zilal Ibrahim Ahmed, a breast cancer survivor. The discussion was moderated by media professional and psychological researcher Iman Barkiya.

The participating experts presented several medical facts and statistics, noting that Sudan records approximately 6,000 new breast cancer cases annually. They also stressed that there is no scientific evidence that the disease is more prevalent in certain geographical areas than others, refuting circulating rumours that some areas are at greater risk.

The specialists explained that approximately 96% of breast tumours are benign, according to the statistics they presented. They emphasised the importance of distinguishing between benign and malignant breast tumours and urged women not to give in to fear or misinformation. They also confirmed that breast cancer is not contagious, including through the handling of tumour samples, and called for efforts to combat the social stigma associated with the disease.

The experts identified obesity and advancing age as risk factors associated with breast cancer. They also explained that approximately 10% of cases are linked to hereditary factors, stressing the importance of knowing one’s family medical history and consulting specialists to determine the appropriate screening tests for each woman.

Participants affirmed that early detection is essential to improving treatment and recovery prospects. They explained that detection methods include breast self-examination, clinical examinations and medical imaging, including mammography. They also reassured women about the use of mammograms, emphasising the importance of undergoing the procedure in accordance with medical recommendations and not allowing unfounded fears to prevent them from benefiting from it.

In a reassuring message, the experts confirmed that treatment options are available within Sudan, stressing the importance of not delaying examinations or consulting a doctor when symptoms arise that require medical assessment.

For her part, Zilal Ibrahim Ahmed shared her personal experience with the disease and her treatment journey, highlighting the psychological and physical challenges she faced. She also discussed the role of determination, community support and early detection in overcoming the experience and returning to normal life, offering a message of hope to women living with the disease.

Iman Barkiya moderated the discussion, connecting the specialised scientific information with the survivor’s personal experience and highlighting accessible awareness messages to help women understand the disease and approach it with confidence and knowledge.

The event was held as part of Zain’s annual breast cancer awareness campaign for 2026, which includes field and awareness activities in Khartoum and Al Jazirah states, as well as displacement camps in Northern State. The campaign uses mobile clinics, portable screening equipment and interactive forums to expand awareness and improve access to early detection.

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