SHAMSAHA: Educating & empowering women

SHAMSAHA Women Empowerment

Shamsaha, with compassion and conviction strives to amplify women’s potential. From breaking the silence around domestic violence and providing 24/7 crisis care; to starting compassionate conversations about empowerment and educating future generations, we give all women a voice so they can fulfill their dreams.

What we do: Volunteering Conditions:

“We are a non-for-profit organization that provides violence crisis response through two telephone helplines. One in English 38447588 and the other helpline is in Arabic 66710901.

We offer medium to long-term goal-based support through a staffed case-worker and community education programs on topics related to gender based violence. We do so by sharing our passion and expertise for women’s care with hospitals, medical groups and community organizations. We aim to provide a safe and loving space for women who have experienced sexual or domestic abuse and are seeking counselling and/or social services. Through this, we seek to reduce the long-term suffering of survivors of violence, as well as increase the overall health and happiness of women, one by one, throughout the larger global community.”

Call 3844 7588 for 24 hour support in English, or 66710901 for 24 hour support in Arabic.

Join Shamsaha supporters from You all have changed my life. Before coming to Shamsaha for help, I felt I was all alone in the world. around the world who have committed to empower women and girls affected by discrimination, inequality, violence & abuse and

Now I know I am not.” help them to rebuild their lives. Volunteers play a critical role in Shamsaha efforts to empower women affected by crisis or violence. Volunteering Conditions: • A woman • Have a driving license / driver • Over 20 years old • Speak English and/or Arabic • Live in Bahrain For volunteering inquiries: fghulam@shamsaha.org

Breast Cancer

Awareness Month

October is breast cancer awareness month. It’s a time when many organizations around the country will commit to raising knowledge and awareness around breast cancer and what can be done to help prevent it. 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer over their lifetime. It is the second most common cancer in women, except for skin cancer.

Breast Cancer begins in breast tissue which is made of glands for milk. The remainder is made up of fatty and lymphatic tissue. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, accounting for nearly one in every three cancers diagnosed. All women are at risk of getting breast cancer. As age increases, the risk increases. 2/3 of breast cancer happens in women 40 years of age and older. Men are generally at low risk of developing breast cancer.

Other risk factors include late menopause, family history of breast cancer, diets high in saturated fats, no pregnancy, estrogen replacement therapy and obesity.

Mammogram is the best method to detect breast cancer at an early stage when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. Women aged 40 years or older should have a mammogram every two years.

LIFESTYLE CHOICES

SOME RISK FACTORS FOR BREAST CANCER ARE NOT EASY TO CHANGE, LIKE BEING FEMALE AND YOUR AGE, BUT THERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU CAN DO THAT MAY HELP REDUCE YOUR RISK OF BREAST CANCER.

Maintain a healthy body weight: being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing breast cancer, particularly for women who have been through menopause.

Be physically active: regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight. Research suggests that vigorous exercise when you are young might provide lifelong protection against breast cancer and that even moderate physical activity as an adult can lower your risk of developing breast cancer.

Don’t smoke: there is no clear link between smoking and breast cancer, but toxins from cigarettes have been found in breast cells. As smoking is a major cause of heart disease, lung cancer and many other cancers, not smoking is always a smart health choice.

BREAST CANCER: WHAT TO DO AT DIFFERENT AGES 25 to 40 40 to 49 50 to 74 75 or over

You know your breasts, but what is “your” normal when it comes to look and feel?

DON’T HESITATE TO SEEK HEALTH ADVICE IF YOU NOTICE ANY CHANGES.

If there is a history of cancer in your family, talk to your doctor. Talk to your doctor to ask if you should continue to have mammograms. If you are aged between 40 to 49 you are eligible for a free breast screening.

YOU ALSO NEED TO KNOW WHAT IS NORMAL WHEN IT COMES TO LOOK AND FEEL, AND DON’T HESITATE TO SEEK HEALTH ADVICE IF YOU NOTICE ANY CHANGES. You should be having a mammogram every two years. Call Think Pink on + 973 39076717 to book a free mammogram.

30 MINUTES EVERY TWO YEARS CAN OFFER PEACE OF MIND.

Get to know your breasts, get to know what is normal when it comes to the look and feel of your breasts and seek health advice if you notice any changes. Talk to your doctor to ask if you should continue to have mammograms.

Women over 75 may also have free breast screening mammograms as recommended by your doctor.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT BAHRAIN CANCER SOCIETY 17 273 636 and 80 001 818 or THINK PINK 39 076 717