7 Inspiring Middle Eastern Breast Cancer Stories

As Pink October approaches, -- which is a month where efforts to educate those concerned about breast cancer -- now is the time to raise awareness about breast cancer and inspire action for a cancer-free world. It is also the time to acknowledge the resilience of the thousands of women who have battled the disease.

Here is a list of seven inspiring Middle Eastern breast cancer survivors:

Elissa

The Lebanese singer opened up about her journey with breast cancer back in 2018. She revealed her battle with the disease in her clip "Ela Kol Ely Beyheboony" (To All Those Who Love Me) in which the superstar is seen undergoing an MRI scan on December 26, 2017. 

The video ends with a strong statement from Elissa saying: "I've recovered, I've beaten the illness, and I won," adding that "early detection of breast cancer can save your life... don't ignore it, face it."

Nora Rahal

Lebanese/Syrian signer Nora Rahal was also diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 in its early stages. The early diagnosis helped in treating the disease without the need for chemotherapy. 

"My illness has taught me how to deal with things patiently," she said in 2008. "Life is a lot simpler than we imagine."

Yasmine Ghaith 

The Egyptian fashion designer and actress was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in 2016. Ghaith defeated breast cancer and survived the battle and she is a cancer awareness advocate now. 

Basma Wahba

The media personality battled the disease for a year and had one of her breasts removed. Wahba has repeatedly affirmed that she never lost hope but instead remained strong throughout the process.

"I try to stay strong," she said in 2013. "Because a patient is just like a wrestler - if he falls, his strengths perish."

Zahra Al Kharji

The Kuwaiti actress was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, then she traveled to London to start her road of treatment for two years.

In 2014, Al Kharji shaved her head in solidarity with cancer patients. 

"Hair falls out and then grows back," she was quoted as saying at the time. "The most important thing is to maintain a good spirit."

Amal Dabbas 

The Jordanian comedian, drama actress, popular singer, and even a national ambassador for the World Food Program Amal Dabbas was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. During her three-year battle, she had one of her breasts removed. 

"Cancer is like everything that causes death, but it is not death," she was quoted as saying. "Fear and surrender make the disease lethal."

Manal Essaddiki

This Moroccan actress was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, but later she recovered from the disease and decided to return to the screen after putting her acting career on hold for five years.

"I was like a factory that takes in negative energy to transform it into something positive," she said in 2016.