KUWAIT: Cancer Aware Nation (CAN) on Sunday launched its annual thyroid cancer awareness campaign under the slogan “Be Aware and Care”, aiming to promote early detection and increase recovery rates for a disease that ranks among the most common cancers in Kuwait. Speaking at the opening ceremony, CAN Chairman Dr Khaled Al-Saleh said the organization’s strategy includes implementing several initiatives each year to promote a culture of health awareness, particularly for cancers with early detectable signs.
Dr Al-Saleh emphasized that early detection raises cure rates to about 90 percent and survival rates to 99.5 percent, noting that thyroid cancer affects women two to three times more than men. He stressed the importance of year-round awareness of the thyroid gland, given its critical role in regulating metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight.
He noted that thyroid cancer may initially present no symptoms, but as it progresses can cause pain and swelling in the neck. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to measure thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, followed by ultrasound scans, with specialists prescribing appropriate treatment if abnormalities are detected.
Citing the Kuwait Cancer Registry’s 2021 annual report, Dr Al-Saleh said thyroid cancer is among the most common cancers affecting women in Kuwait, with 114 cases recorded among Kuwaiti women, ranking second after breast cancer, and 98 cases among non-Kuwaiti women. Among men, the disease was less common, with 38 cases reported among non-Kuwaiti men. He explained that the campaign targets all segments of society, with particular focus on young women, encouraging balanced lifestyles, proper nutrition and physical activity, while highlighting risk factors and early warning signs that require medical testing and timely treatment.
Meanwhile, campaign spokesperson Dr Iman Al-Shammari said awareness remains the cornerstone of the fight against cancer, noting the positive impact of sustained education efforts over the years. She said thyroid cancer awareness initially stemmed from broader head and neck cancer campaigns before becoming a standalone focus, using malls, public lectures, brochures and health centers to reach the public.
Dr Al-Shammari said this year’s campaign includes lectures in public hospitals and cancer centers, medical exhibitions and the distribution of educational materials to patients and their companions. She added that the initiative also promotes healthy, smoke-free lifestyles, physical activity, mental well-being and psychological support for patients and survivors through programs such as the Makin Club and rehabilitation initiatives.
