This project started in 1990 with the first Mammography Unit in Palestine. The Project has evolved over the years to include community based lectures and educational materials on breast health (promoting self examination, early detection) and professional training for doctors, nurses and mammography technicians (a UNFPA funded project through the Ministry of Health, Palestine), in addition to the research and production of the National Guidelines for Breast Cancer Screening.

The Sunrise Group

This is the first support group in Palestine for women living with cancer, established in 2000.

Breast cancer is the #1 cancer in Palestinian women accounting for approximately 30% of all female cancers. Unfortunately, it is often the case that women present with breast tumors at an advanced stage which adversely affects their prognosis.

The group started with a few members who wanted to help others get support during their journeys with breast cancer. Over the years the group has continued to grow, also supporting women from the West Bank and Gaza.

These very special women are advocates and teachers in their communities, changing the attitudes of people and trying to remove the ’stigma’ of cancer. They attend lectures and workshops in addition to presenting at such events. They have spoken on local TV and radio too. Their participation and commitment are vital in our work to inform and change the image of cancer amongst the population. During our production of health educational materials they often contribute and help with editing.

Any woman is welcome to join the Group which has an elected representative and is coordinated by a staff member from Patient’s Friends Society-Jerusalem.

Membership is free.

Goals of the Group:

• Breaking the silence
• Promoting awareness and early detection about breast cancer
• Giving psycho-social support for women with cancer

Reach to Recovery

This is a program some of the women in the Group have been trained for which has provided them with the knowledge and skills (a structured training program) to provide psychosocial support for women and their families.

We are members of Reach to Recovery International which is a part of the International Union against Cancer (UICC) of whom we are also members.

The Hotline is staffed by trained Sunrise members and staff from PFS. This service is began in 2002 and is supported by donations.

Our breast cancer unit offers bras; prostheses and wigs which help many women cope a little better. It has been a blessing to receive such items that the women might never have had access to otherwise. In addition, we are pleased to offer the women lymphoedema massage and exercise sessions.

Self help / income generation is a key activity of the breast cancer unit. The Sunrise Group hold fundraising events such as breakfasts and lunches. They have also commissioned the production of Palestinian hand embroidered key rings, eye glass cases and purses with the breast cancer logo to raise money to help support their activities.

International Women’s Day

PFS offers a free mammography screening day for women over 40 years

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month

PFS and Sunrise participate every year by providing a free mammography screening day for any woman over 40 years.

During this month we cooperate with local radio stations, newspapers, clubs, etc to promote breast health awareness.