October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor the strength of women facing breast cancer and to reflect on how we can better support them. At OMID Foundation, we believe that health is empowerment. When women understand their bodies, access quality care, and feel confident making health decisions, they not only transform their own lives but also strengthen their communities.
The State of Women’s Health in Iran and Afghanistan
For women in Iran and Afghanistan, breast cancer remains the most common cancer and one of the most serious public health challenges.
- In Iran, breast cancer rates are rising rapidly. Many women are diagnosed between the ages of 45 and 55, younger than in many developed countries.
- In Afghanistan, nearly 30% of new female cancer cases in 2020 were breast cancer. Limited access to screening, stigma, and low awareness mean that many women are diagnosed in late stages, when treatment options are limited.
These are not just numbers; they represent real women, mothers, daughters, and sisters facing the emotional and physical toll of cancer while navigating inequality, financial barriers, and fear.
OMID’s Approach: Education, Awareness, and Empowerment
At OMID Foundation, we work to break the silence around women’s health through reproductive health and rights workshops. Our sessions help women learn:
- How to perform self-breast exams and recognize early warning signs
- How to practice menstrual hygiene and manage reproductive health
- How to understand and advocate for their healthcare rights
Led by compassionate experts, these workshops provide a safe, judgment-free space for women to ask questions, share their experiences, and develop lifelong healthy habits.
A Survivor’s Story: From Silence to Strength
“I was never taught about women’s health. I always felt too embarrassed to ask questions about my period or preventive care. After my mother passed away from breast cancer, I realized I had to take care of myself—not just for me, but as an example for other Persian girls.
Through OMID, I found a community that listens and supports. I learned so much about my rights, especially as a refugee adapting to a new country. Self-care isn’t selfish, and staying silent about women’s health isn’t an option. Here, I found strength, sisterhood, and the courage to speak up and take care of myself—and to encourage others to do the same.”
Her story resonates with the voices of countless women across Iran, Afghanistan, and the Persian diaspora—women determined to transform pain into purpose and awareness into action.
How You Can Help
At OMID Foundation, we believe survivors should never feel alone. Every donation, volunteer effort, or shared post helps provide:
- Access to health education and reproductive rights resources
- Safe spaces for women to learn, heal, and connect
- Programs that empower women to advocate for their own well-being
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s move beyond awareness. Let’s take action—together.
Your support fuels hope, education, and empowerment for women and girls across the Persian-speaking world. With your help, OMID continues to give women the knowledge, confidence, and community they need to defy the odds and shape a healthier future.
Volunteer Page: https://omidfoundation.com/volunteer-fundraising/
