As part of the Pink Ribbon Campaign in Gulf Medical University, a ‘Pink Awareness Show’ was organized on October 19, 2022 hosted by final year Associate Degree in Preclinical Sciences (ADPCS) program students of College of Medicine.
A play enacted by the students highlighted the molecular basis and corresponding tissue changes, the risk factors, management, and psychosocial impact of breast cancer. Aligned to the theme ‘Together we CAN’, the closing of the act emphasized on the importance of early screening and detection. Mr. Zain, Director of the play and third year HDPCS program student said “An appreciable effort was made by my peers to make the play easy to comprehend. It was truly a unique experience from reading the script, to directing, to finally witness it live on stage.”
Prof. Tatiana Ille, the HDPCS Program Director, congratulated the students and the faculty in-charge for the brilliant performance and remarked, “The play was well organized, empathic, yet very informative and based on scientific facts about breast cancer. Narrations, dialogs, videos and placards, all used were nicely combined for easy understanding. This way of expression was more engaging and reflected their understanding of the problem and to empathize with. The entire audience, students, and faculty alike, appreciated the play.”
Dr. Preetha Shetty, Associate Professor in Cytogenetics & Molecular Biology commented “The short play put up during the breast cancer awareness campaign focused on the relationship between DNA damage and cancer. The HDPCS students performed brilliantly and explained how mutations can change the normal activity of protooncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Failure to repair the damage that leads to the development of cancer was depicted very well. The fundamental causes of cancer development, genetic testing, and counseling were well emphasized. It is a great way to reinforce theoretical concepts.”
Dr. Mehzabin Ahmed, the event organizer, remarked, “it is perhaps the first time that a student activity of this nature dealing with an intricate concept such as the molecular basis of breast cancer and its correlation with tissue changes has been undertaken. It provided the students with a very different learning experience.”
Students opined that throughout the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, creative and collaborative learning efforts were made, and the play provided innovative strategy for learning.