The Sunrise Group

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 and 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.

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 36.6 per 100,000 females in Westbank (MOH 2021). 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, supporting women from the West Bank and Gaza with different types of cancers patients.

These very special women are advocates and teachers in their communities, changing people’s attitudes 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.

Today, the group consists of all genders, so. Anyone is welcome to join the Group.

Goals of the Group:

• Breaking the silence
• Promoting awareness and early detection of breast cancer
• Psycho-social support for all genders with cancer

Reach to Recovery

Sunrise Cancer Group members during the group activity, Jerusalem 2018

Some members of the Sunrise Group have been trained in the Reach to Recover program, which has given them with the knowledge and skills to provide psychosocial support for women and their families.

PFS is also a member of Reach to Recovery International and The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).

PFS manages a Hotline staffed by trained Sunrise Group members and staff. This service began in 2002 and is supported by donations.

Our breast cancer unit offers bras, prostheses, and wigs, which help many women cope. In addition, we are pleased to provide women with lymphoedema massage and exercise sessions.

PFS & the Sunrise Group work together to promote prevention and early detection by engaging local radio stations, newspapers, and clubs to promote breast health awareness.