October concluded with a focus on the importance of early detection, medical diagnosis, and psychological support for breast cancer patients during the period known as "Pink October." Medical professionals and advocacy groups used the month to emphasize that treating the disease requires addressing both clinical outcomes and the emotional well-being of those affected. Experts at institutions like Douera Hospital in Algiers, including Sabrina Mokrane and Nadia Slimani, worked alongside entities such as Brain Care to provide resources for patients. These efforts aimed to ensure that care extends beyond the initial identification of malignancy to include long-term mental health assistance. The month-long initiative sought to integrate these diverse elements into a standard model of patient management across the medical community.
Scientific Awareness in Algiers
The Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Douera Hospital in Algiers hosted a scientific day focused on breast cancer awareness on 28 October. This event brought together medical professionals to discuss the integration of clinical and psychological components within patient management protocols.
Sabrina Mokrane, a clinical psychologist and executive director of the Brain Care foundation, addressed attendees regarding the necessity of mental health interventions in oncology. She stated that psychological support is a fundamental pillar of full care, rather than a supplementary measure. According to Sabrina Mokrane, this assistance should begin from the moment of diagnosis and continue through various stages of treatment and after recovery.
Sabrina Mokrane emphasized the importance of the social environment surrounding the patient during the healing process. Regarding the involvement of family members, Sabrina Mokrane said: "للأسرة والزوج والمقربين دور محوري في توفير بيئة مناسبة بعيدا عن الشفقة" (The family, the spouse, and those close to the patient have a key role in providing a suitable environment, away from pity).
Medical staff at Douera Hospital noted that such scientific meetings serve to align clinical practices with the emotional needs of patients. By gathering at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, participants sought to solidify the role of psychological support as an essential element of standard medical practice in Algiers. The session concluded with a focus on how the Brain Care foundation can assist in maintaining this support structure for patients throughout their medical journey.
