The College of Nursing - represented by the Volunteer and Community Service Unit - held a health awareness initiative entitled: "Be One Step Ahead", at the College of Education in Majmaah to raise students and local community girls' awareness of breast cancer. The initiative featured a lecture presented by Dr. Wedad Al-Anazi, followed by activities conducted by students of the College of Nursing.
The first activity introduced the definition of breast cancer, and that it is one of the most common types of cancer among women around the world, with an explanation of the reasons for its occurrence such as abnormal growth of breast cells, and how the risk of infection increases with age.
The second activity addressed risk factors such as age, family history, and genetic changes as well as lifestyle factors such as smoking, nutrition, and sports activity.
The third activity focused on the common symptoms of breast cancer, such as a lump in the breast, or a change in its size, and the importance of regular self-examination for early detection.
The fourth activity addressed diagnostic tests, such as mammography and magnetic resonance imaging along with the importance of biopsy in diagnosing suspected cases.
The last activity focused on treatment and prevention methods, explaining that treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer which may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.