“I survived it; you, too, can”

Breast cancer accounts for approximately one-third of the cancer cases detected in the Gulf region. According to a recent study, 56 out of 100,000 women in Qatar are at risk for developing the disease. As proved time and again, early detection remains the key to greater chances of survival.  
And for early detection doctors urge women to regularly check themselves for any symptoms. There is however, a need for spreading awareness about the symptoms and how to detect them. The month of October is all about that, awareness.
Dalia Assad Ali Mostafa, a Doha-resident and breast cancer survivor has been playing her part to push that drive. On any given opportunity, she counsels cancer patients and participates in awareness campaigns.
“Cancer is like any other disease. It is difficult and painful. But this does not necessarily mean that you are going to die from it. I survived it; you, too, can,” she tells the patients — so says Dalia in an interview with Community.    
Dalia however, recently discovered that she was not the only one working to create awareness about the disease and “comforting and helping the cancer patients. This past week brought her a “pleasant surprise.”
Instead of waking up to the mundane chores at home, like she would normally do, the mother of four was tucked into the lap of luxury at the spectacular Marsa Malaz Kempinski. For the ‘awareness month’, the five-star property collaborated with Maserati Qatar to offer Dalia a one-of-a-kind experience to cherish forever.
She was invited with her family to a weekend of soulful indulgence at the palatial resort. The pampering retreat reflects the brands’ joint aspirations of honouring and empowering breast cancer survivors in the country.
“It was a great initiative. It gave me the feeling that there are people around who care and we were treated very well. I believe more brands and organisations should take steps like these to encourage and respect the cancer survivors,” says Dalia.
It was more than two years ago that she had discovered the lump in her breast. And she was under 40. Dalia immediately contacted her surgeon and was examined. The doctor only confirmed her worst fears.
“From the symptoms I kind of knew it could be cancer so I was mentally prepared when the tests confirmed it was indeed the case. I did not panic. I told myself I am not going to succumb to it and I prepared myself to face it,” recalls Dalia.
The cancer when diagnosed was at a relatively advanced stage. She underwent a surgery where the tumour was removed. And then began the long and painful process of chemotherapy. Dalia, however, says the excellent facilities available at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) Cancer unit helped her endure it without too much pain.
Chemotherapy, she acknowledges, was the most difficult part of the entire treatment procedure which continued for over a year. She says it was her husband who has been a constant source of strength for her throughout her illness.
“He is very strong. He kept telling me that I was courageous and that I could defeat it. He was always on my side whenever I needed him,” says Dalia, looking at him with a smile. “No, I think the reason she managed to defeat cancer was that she is a very strong woman. She never let people around her feel that she was ill. She made it by herself,” her husband Mostafa, sitting to her right, interjects.
Dalia says she did not even inform her children when she was first diagnosed with cancer. Later, however they told the elder ones when the chemotherapy started.
“I would carry on with my daily chores and household activities like a normal person. I told myself that it was just like any other disease like flu and that it will go away one day. I never lost hope even for a moment,” says the cancer survivor.
She says faith in God and an unshaken determination to live through the dreaded disease enabled her to survive it. Now, she is cancer-free.
Undergoing chemotherapy, she lost her hair. The process itself was long and painful. But Dalia says there is no reason for any woman suffering from this disease to lose hope. They need to remain positive and strong.
“My hair has come back again. (And her husband feels they are even better than before). I feel perfectly normal. The only thing that helped me bear the painful treatment was my internal strength. I never let it get to my head,” says Dalia.
The couple acknowledges that medical facilities in Qatar and the support system especially from the Qatar Cancer Society (QCS) helped them a great deal to receive the treatment. “The treatment for cancer is otherwise expensive, but we did not feel it at all because they (Hamad and QCS) took care of all the expenses involving medicine and treatments,” says Dalia’s husband.
In her message to other women, Dalia urges them to keep a constant check on any symptoms for breast cancer as early detection is the key to survival. “People normally think that it only affects women above 40. That is not necessary. In many cases, it can strike you even under 40. So you should never ignore the symptoms,” says Dalia.
She says with the advancement in technology, the previously painful procedures involved in the treatment of cancer were now being eliminated. With more than 2-year-long fight with cancer, she is back to normal life with her family.
The joint initiative by Marsa Malaz Kempinski and Mesrati Qatar presented Dalia with world-class hospitality at its best. The rich selection of restaurants and cafes at Marsa Malaz Kempinski ensured an unforgettable culinary experience.
Featuring the only Spa by Clarins in the Middle East, the hotel’s state-of-the-art spa and fitness services provided a relaxing spa package, delivering the highest standards of wellbeing.
The grand attraction of the stay was an exclusive driving experience with Maserati Ghibli S. Representing the first E-segment model by the Italian luxury brand, the four-door sports executive sedan demonstrated a perfect blend of sportiness and elegance.
Alfardan Sports Motors, the official importer of Maserati in Qatar, says the month of October marks an important period for it as it aims to engage with the local community and facilitate awareness about this significant issue.
As a leading auto dealer in the country, the company is committed towards its CSR goals that are structured around the country’s social welfare, by spearheading community-focused initiatives and humanitarian activities all year round.