The Midwifery Department at Bethlehem University organized an awareness event in recognition of Pink October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, reaffirming the University’s mission to advance community health education and empower women through knowledge and care.
Held at the Women’s Health Education Center in the Tarek Juffali Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, the event was organized under the supervision of Ms. Fatima Hammad Madany, Chairperson of the Midwifery Department, with the support and collaboration of the NAFAS Center of the Palestinian Medical Relief Society.
The program began with welcoming remarks by Ms. Salam Awwad, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, followed by Ms. Fatima Hammad Madany, who greeted the guests and introduced the day’s agenda.
The event featured a scientific lecture titled “Breast Cancer: Early Detection, Treatment, and Prevention,” attended by second-year midwifery students and 20–25 women from Dheisheh Refugee Camp, in cooperation with the Ibda’a Women’s Center.
Ms. Wi’am Shaer, facilitator of healthy peer activities at the NAFAS Center – Bethlehem University Health Center, led a session on the psychological effects of cancer on women, addressing the emotional and social challenges faced by patients. The program also featured an inspiring personal testimony from a breast cancer survivor from Dheisheh, who shared her journey of resilience and recovery, leaving participants deeply moved by her message of hope.
The day included an interactive breast self-exam demonstration and hands-on training using educational models, providing participants with essential practical skills for early detection. Additional activities included a health awareness quiz, a “positive messages corner” where attendees wrote notes of encouragement for cancer patients, and a nutrition station highlighting antioxidant-rich foods that promote wellness. Educational materials and symbolic pink gifts were also distributed.
At the conclusion of the event, two women received clinical breast examinations, underscoring the practical impact of the initiative. Participants expressed their gratitude to Bethlehem University, the Midwifery Department, and the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences for organizing such a powerful and compassionate awareness program.
Through this event, Bethlehem University continues to demonstrate its commitment to community engagement, health promotion, and women’s empowerment, working hand in hand with partners like the NAFAS Center and Ibda’a Women’s Center to spread awareness and foster a culture of prevention and early detection.
