Fadia Survive & Thrive expanded its cancer awareness initiatives throughout October, working with dedicated volunteers to conduct awareness campaigns and presentations across the public and private sectors, with a focus on cancer prevention alongside the early detection of breast cancer.
Among its key activities, the organisation delivered presentations and operated awareness booths in collaboration with several colleges under the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET), receiving encouraging engagement from institutional leaders, students and community participants.
The organisation stressed that cancer awareness must remain a year-round commitment rather than being limited to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It highlighted stress management, a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, adequate water intake, sufficient deep sleep and regular physical activity as important elements of a healthier lifestyle.
Fadia Survive & Thrive President Dr Rania Azmi also highlighted the publication of the 8th International Consensus Guidelines for the Management of Advanced Breast Cancer (ABC8) on September 17, 2026.
Developed following an international consensus conference held in Lisbon in November 2025, the guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations, supplemented by expert opinion where necessary, for managing advanced breast cancer, including inoperable locally advanced and metastatic disease across all subtypes. They also address the broader needs of patients beyond treatment alone.
The guidelines have received endorsements from several international oncology organisations, with official representation from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and ABC New Zealand. They also highlight growing inequalities in access to high-quality care between and within countries, noting that recommendations may need to be adapted to resource-constrained settings.
Dr Azmi, who contributed to the guidelines, also serves on the Steering Committee of the ABC Global Alliance, a multi-stakeholder group representing patients, patient advocates, healthcare professionals, industry and policy experts. The committee has contributed to the Global Decade Report and Global Charter, which support efforts to improve care and advocacy for people living with advanced breast cancer.
As part of its local awareness campaigns, Fadia Survive & Thrive encouraged visitors to scan QR codes providing access to the ABC Global Charter, the Global Decade Report and relevant research published in The Breast journal, including the ABC8 guidelines. The initiative aimed to improve access to evidence-based information, international best practices and resources on advanced breast cancer.
Fadia Survive & Thrive expressed gratitude to everyone involved in its awareness initiatives, with special recognition for cancer survivors and caregivers, whom it described as central to its patient advocacy work.
