By: Jude Al Maaytah, 11C
Student Newsletter Editor-in-Chief

Recognized globally, Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place every year around September and October, encouraging education, screenings, and advocacy in the fight against one of the most common cancers among women. This year AHSS decided to take part and help make a change.

Under the organization of Ms. Maram AlZubi, AHSS recognized September as Cancer Awareness Month, holding information sessions, assemblies, and banding together to wear pink on September 21.

Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control, forming a tumor that can spread to other parts of the body.

Many people mistakenly believe that breast cancer only affects women, but it can also occur in men — in fact, the first documented case of breast cancer was found in a man. However, there are cancers that are exclusive to women, such as ovarian cancer and in my case my sister survived it.
In the Spring of 2018, my older sister Ruby got diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It started as a benign tumor, but the situation quickly escalated and it developed into stage 3 cancer. I remember this time very well, my sister’s journey took six months from checkups, performing the surgery and long nights at The King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC).

The KHCC is a world-class, comprehensive cancer treatment center located in Amman, Jordan. It is a beacon of hope for thousands of adult and pediatric cancer patients from across the Middle East.

I remember the reactions of my family taking the news. It was the first time I ever saw my mom cry, but what I remember more is my sister’s spirit. How even when she was taken to the operation room she was smiling and telling us ‘I’m coming back stronger than I left.’ She didn’t cry, she didn’t feel like it’s the end of her world, she looked at it as a challenge and was betting every penny that she’d be the one winning! And she did! And this what I like most about Ruby, she’s the one who finds the positive side in everything, she’s the kindest and the strongest person I know. When I go through a challenging time I always ask, what would Ruby do?

During our time in the hospital, I would spend time in the hospital’s yard playing with other kids, since I had to skip a semester of school. And this is how Dr. Leen spent parts of her childhood too.

Dr. Leen, is the health advocator who came to AHSS to give us a lecture about breast cancer as part of the Jordan Breast Cancer Program. The program introduced us to prevention methods, modifiable procedures and how important early detection is. The program launched mobile medical units equipped with all the necessary tools for breast cancer screening and early diagnosis, including mammography machines, ultrasound devices, and clinical equipment. It goes from the North all the way to the South to examine women.

We also learn that the breast area, includes the clavicle and armpits, and that most cases are discovered through the armpits. This is how our speaker, breast cancer survivor Ms. Nisreen, discovered her tumor. Ms. Nisreen is a mother of 4 kids, a wife, a daughter and a hero.

Ms. Nisreen was diagnosed with cancer on her birthday 7/7. ‘Hurtful dates’ she said. After hearing the news, she tried to isolate herself. She didn’t want to let people see her “weakness.” She tried her best to especially hide it from her mother, but she eventually told her.

But why? But why is it that we treat cancer as a taboo? How did we, as a society, fail the people who needed us the most? We whisper the word like it’s a curse, avoid conversations like they carry the disease, and let silence take the place of support. We’ve wrapped cancer in shame, fear, and discomfort — leaving so many to suffer alone, misunderstood, and afraid to speak up.
According to Ms. Nisreen, when she started chemo therapy, it was heartbreaking watching her hair fall out. She asked her husband to shave it all off, “it’s difficult, difficult, very difficult,” she said. Her surgery was in 21 of March 2020, we all know what happened after. Fortunately all her healing journey took place during quarantine where she was all by her self the way she wished.

Today, Ms. Nisreen is doing better. She’s cancer free. After her heartfelt story, I decided to have a conversation with her.

“What gave you the courage to share your story with us today? “ I asked. “The experience gives me the courage,” Ms. Nisreen said.

“During these challenging times, what was the thing that kept you hopeful?” “That life is still waiting for me and its beautiful,” Ms. Nisreen answered.

Ms. Nisreen’s story, reflects growth and strength. Her voice was shared through Dr. Leen, whom I also talked to. “How does it feel being a Health Advocate,” I asked. “Really nice,” Dr. Leen said. “One of the times I was doing a lecture in a school, and we did the examination and it turned positive, and we were able to help her out, she’s still under treatment.” “What is it, that you wanted students to leave with today?” I asked. “I wanted them to leave with information and spread awareness,” Dr. Leen told me.

This experience reminded me — and hopefully all of us — that awareness is more than just knowledge; it’s action, empathy, and responsibility. Ruby, Ms. Nisreen, Dr. Leen — each of them shows us a different face of strength. Whether it’s surviving, supporting, or spreading awareness, every role matters. Cancer should never be a secret, a shame, or something to fear speaking about. It’s something we fight — together. And through stories, through education, and through simply listening, we take one step closer to change.