First Lady Calls For Timely Breast Cancer Screening

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed urged women across the Maldives on Thursday to prioritise early medical screening and remain vigilant about physical changes, emphasising that timely diagnosis provides expanded treatment avenues, higher chances of recovery, and greater hope for survival.

She delivered the keynote address during the opening ceremony of the 7th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Symposium in Malé, hosted under the theme “From Detection to Recovery: Optimising Breast Cancer Care.”

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Addressing the gathering, the First Lady identified breast cancer as a major national health concern. She noted that prompt consultation at the earliest stage allows medical professionals to intervene when therapeutic outcomes are most favourable, cautioning women against letting fear stall routine checkups or clinical advice.

To bolster national diagnostic capabilities, she advocated for integrating cutting-edge medical infrastructure alongside specialised professional training. She highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in detecting subtle early-stage physiological changes, while stressing that healthcare personnel must be continuously upskilled to leverage these advancements effectively.

Beyond technological investment, the First Lady called for a holistic, patient-first care model. She emphasised that clinical interventions must be coupled with emotional guidance, compassionate support, transparent communication, and respect for patient dignity.

Acknowledging the geographical fragmentation of the Maldives, she insisted that island isolation should never compromise the quality, speed, or availability of critical oncology care. She advocated for strengthening national breast cancer services, improving referral mechanisms, and broadening access to specialised care.

Closing her address, the First Lady paid tribute to cancer survivors, current patients, and families who have lost loved ones to the disease. Reaffirming the state’s commitment to patient-centred care, she reiterated that early detection serves as the strongest safeguard for female health, dignity, and long-term recovery.