Ambassador Patterson leads a walk in support of Breast Cancer Awareness

October 23, 2011

Cairo - U.S. Ambassador Anne W. Patterson on October 21 joined Dr. Mohamed Shaalan, Chairman of the Breast Cancer Foundation of Egypt (BCFE), in leading the "Pink Steps Towards a Healthy Life" festival, organized to raise awareness about the importance of screening and early detection of breast cancer. 

“Breast cancer is a concern for people all over the world. But for the United States and our friends in Egypt, it is the focus of specific, concentrated, and positive action,” said Ambassador Patterson at the Gezira Sporting Club festival, adding, “The United States has placed major resources toward promoting early detection of breast cancer and awareness about the disease. The United States Agency for International Development, USAID, has been working with the Egyptian Ministry of Health and supporting vital research into the barriers to early detection in cooperation with the Breast Cancer Foundation of Egypt. The United States government is also supporting the international outreach of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. We are fortunate that Komen for the Cure has moved onto the world stage to share its knowledge and success."

The festival kicked off at 10:30 a.m. with a family walk that brought together members of the American diplomatic mission, individual participants, teams from schools, universities, banks, companies and delegations from the event’s sponsors as well as cancer survivors and their relatives. The festival emphasized the importance of exercising, proper nutrition and taking care of one's health in general to prevent the spread of diseases including breast cancer. Effective ways to protect from breast cancer include fighting obesity, early detection and self-examination. Participants had the opportunity to to interact with a number of specialists, radiologists, oncologists, and nutritionists.