Number of women screened for breast cancer in Egypt jumps by nearly 2.5M in 90 days

CAIRO – 11 July 2022: The Ministry of Health and Population announced on its Facebook page that the number of women screened for breast cancer since the launching of the Women Health Initiative in July 2019 has amounted to 26,336,610.

The ministry had announced in April that the figure had hit 23,906,809, which makes the size of the progress 2,429,801 in just three months. It also means that the initiative is close to achieving its target, which is running such medical check-up for 28 million women.

The tests carried out over the three years included 225,285 mammogram scans, and 17,860 biopsies. As for the figure on women diagnosed with the disease, it is 10,781.

The screening service is offered free of charge to females aged above 18 at 3,538 healthcare units, and 114 hospitals nationwide. As for those diagnosed with breast cancer, they can receive also free of charge treatment at 14 university hospitals, and 14 centers affiliated to the Ministry of Health and Population.

The women do not just undergo breast cancer tests but also others pertaining to hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.  

With regard to children, the Ministry of Health and Population announced earlier in April that 10,837,000 students at elementary schools were screened for anemia, obesity, and stunting since the beginning of academic year 2021/2022.

The ministry noted that the target for the year is 15 million Egyptian and non-Egyptian pupils studying at 29,444 private and public elementary schools nationwide.

The screening is carried out by measuring the weight, height, and hemoglobin level in blood, so as if malnutrition is diagnosed, the medical team provides the patient with a suitable dietary plan.