Book on cancer awareness launched

Times News Service
Wednesday, October 31, 2007 12:34:25 AM Oman Time


MUSCAT — A book combining true stories and poetry about cancer, written by Nasra Al Adawi, was launched yesterday under the auspices of Dr Sharifa bint Khalfan Al Yahyaeiyah, minister of social development.

Over a period of three years, the author underwent many different experiences including interactions with cancer patients in Tanzania before she was able to pen the book Brave Faces: The Daring Stand Against Cancer.

This is the third book in a row written by Nasra on cancer awareness.

The launch function, held at the InterContinental Hotel in the presence of Hoessein Khatib, ambassador of Tanzania; the diplomatic corps and a host of other dignitaries, also saw the auction of six special edition books.

These six books, containing the signatures of Dr Sharifa bint Khalfan Al Yahyaeiyah, and Hoessein Khatib were auctioned for more than RO1,000. The auctioned was conducted by Karen Greene.

The proceeds of the auction as well as the book sales that followed the launch function would exclusively be used for cancer awareness campaigns in Tanzania. During the launch ceremony, there was a poetry recitation by Nasra from the book as well as light classical music rendition by Jan Daxner on flute.

The flautist played five invocations composed by Frenchman Andre Jolivet.

In exclusive comments to Times of Oman, Dr Sharifa expressed her happiness about the book written by Nasra. “We are proud of Nasra and her book Brave Faces: The Daring Stand Against Cancer as she has discussed such a taboo issue like breast and cervical cancer. She has been brave enough to break the taboos and write on the subject,” Dr Sharifa said.

“We need to have loud voices on such issues and I wish her all the best in the future,” added Dr Sharifa.

Hoessein Khatib, ambassador of Tanzania, in his welcome address, said that the book would help many people in Tanzania who were not aware of cancer. Describing the book, Khatib said that the methodology adopted by the author was user-friendly and innovative to create cancer awareness.

Creating awareness about cancer is necessary but not sufficient as the facilities available through modern technology in cancer diagnosis have to become accessible to all, pointed out Khatib.

The Tanzanian ambassador thanked Dr Sharifa and the Ministry of Social Development for their support to this book by Nasra.