Media and Communication: The Beacons of Cancer Awareness in Yemen

Alia Mohammed – Sawt Al-Amal (Voice of Hope)

Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in the world, affecting many people annually. Due to the difficult health and economic conditions in Yemen, cancer rates have increased. Here, media and social media have emerged as effective tools in raising health awareness, promoting knowledge about the risks of this disease, the importance of early detection, and providing the necessary information to combat it.
This report aims to review the role of the media in raising awareness of the importance of early detection of cancer in Yemen.

A Beacon of Awareness and Reliable Sources

Nadeer Al-Hammadi, a program presenter, says: “In our modern world, the pace of life accelerates, and people’s struggles with the burdens of daily life intensify. Media appears as an indispensable beacon of awareness, especially in the face of public health issues and diseases of our time. At the forefront of these issues is cancer, which poses a significant psychological, physical, and economic burden on individuals and communities alike.”

He adds: “The lives of millions depend on knowledge, awareness, and rapid response. Therefore, the role of the media is evident as the compass that guides society towards healthy behaviors. It does not stop at presenting dry scientific facts, but goes beyond that to present them in a simple and inspiring way that touches individuals on a human level, whether in news bulletins or talk shows; stories of cancer survivors are presented to make the message more realistic, reviving hope and instilling reassurance that early detection can make the difference between life and death, between pain and hope.”

Al-Hammadi pointed out that traditional and digital media are strong allies for society in combating cancer, not only in raising awareness of its danger but also in encouraging individuals to adopt preventive healthy behaviors, through the human messages it conveys to every individual in society that life is worth living, and awareness is the first step to protecting it.

In a related context, journalist Jalal Al-Atmi says: “We urgently need to continue educating society to take preventive measures to combat the spread of cancer in Yemen, especially in light of its increasing rates in recent years. Media and social media are among the main tools for raising awareness of the importance of early examinations for detecting cancer.”

Al-Atmi considers traditional media, such as television, radio, and newspapers, reliable sources for disseminating medical and awareness information; media of all kinds can highlight factors related to specific types of cancer by hosting several specialists, doctors, and experts in talk shows or health segments to discuss the importance of early detection.

He pointed to the importance of the role played by social media in raising awareness of cancer, as it is a means of reaching a wide audience in interactive ways.

He added: “The importance of social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, lies in providing spaces for survivors and individuals affected by the disease to exchange their experiences and share important medical information about cancer through posts, tweets, and videos, which contributes to further raising community awareness of the importance of early examinations.”

Nadeer Al-Hammadi agrees with this opinion and emphasizes that social media is taking its leading role, transforming from mere platforms for entertainment and personal communication into influential awareness platforms targeting a wide audience, especially young people.

He adds: “Electronic awareness campaigns have proven their effectiveness in the past in various issues and have shown a great ability to reach millions of people through the effective role played by influencers of these means in conveying awareness messages to different age groups, some of whom may overlook the risks of the disease or hesitate to undergo preventive examinations.”

Furthermore, Al-Hammadi explained that the development of digital media methods has contributed to presenting awareness campaigns professionally and in a modern and attractive style, relying on well-planned strategies that combine the dissemination of accurate medical statistics and the presentation of touching emotional messages that explain the importance of early detection in a visual language that touches hearts before minds, especially in global initiatives such as “Pink October” for breast cancer awareness and other types.

Ways of Raising Awareness

Media and social media play a significant role in providing accurate and up-to-date information about cancer, its types, symptoms, and prevention methods. These platforms can contribute to reducing incidence rates and improving treatment outcomes, utilizing diverse methods and programs.

Nadeer Al-Hammadi states, “Combating cancer and raising awareness about the importance of early detection requires intensive and coordinated media coverage. This allows us to overcome the social stigma surrounding the disease and certain examinations, such as breast exams for women or prostate exams for men.”

He adds, “Health awareness begins with information. To effectively embed this information in people’s minds requires collaborative efforts. Short, targeted videos produced by reputable health organizations can deliver the message concisely, including statistics and figures that encourage individuals to take the first step toward early detection. These videos act as a bridge between doctors and the community, explaining ambiguous medical terms in simple language that everyone understands, conveying the seriousness without exaggeration or downplaying.”

Hanan Najib, the media officer for Aden Cancer Control Foundation, believes the media plays a vital role in raising awareness about early cancer detection in Yemen. She emphasizes the importance of partnerships with local and international health organizations to strengthen awareness messages.

Regarding the collaboration between Cancer Control Foundation and the media, she says, “The foundation is highly focused on the media aspect. Radio is our most collaborative medium, allowing us to broadcast radio flashes, news bulletins, morning interviews, and calls. We also provide listeners with accurate information about the disease.”

She adds, “We work diligently with the media to deliver awareness messages that encourage people to prioritize early detection. We also organize seminars and workshops, hosting doctors and specialists to provide information and answer questions.”

Jalal Al-Atmi notes that television and radio advertisements play a crucial role in reaching a wide audience and promoting a culture of early detection through short educational videos highlighting the importance of examinations and warning signs of the disease.

Studies and research show that media campaigns about the risks of cancer increase public awareness and encourage participation in screenings. Furthermore, sharing success stories of cancer patients inspires others and motivates them to take positive steps toward their health.

Challenges and Recommendations

Despite the important role media and social media play in educating the public about cancer risks and the importance of early detection, several challenges impact this role such as a lack of financial resources for these media outlets, the absence of dedicated budgets for effective awareness campaigns, and the impact of unstable security situations that affect media operations and limit the production of awareness content.

Furthermore, some members of society may be uncomfortable discussing topics like cancer, necessitating the development of innovative and culturally appropriate awareness strategies to improve public health.

Inaccurate information from unreliable sources can also be a problem. Therefore, collaboration between media and local and international health organizations should be strengthened, and specialized training in preventive health for media professionals should be implemented.

Strengthening community awareness about the risks of cancer and the importance of combating it remains a fundamental step and a collective responsibility, requiring intensive efforts from all segments of society, especially the media and social media, to make a real difference in the lives of many people in Yemen and to ensure a healthier and more aware society.