Boobs For Allah

Breast cancer, like women’s rights, are taboo to Arabian society.

One Saudi woman ignored the cancer growing in her breast because she didn't want to risk a referral to a male doctor. Another was divorced by her husband on the mere suspicion she had the disease, while a third was dragged away from a mammogram machine because the technicians were men.

This week their efforts received a boost this week from someone who has lived with a defective boob for most of her life - Laura Bush.

The First Lady met with a group of breast cancer survivors, who presented her with a long black scarf — the kind women use to cover their hair in public — with pink ribbons symbolizing the disease attached to both ends. They then helped her wrap it around her head, even though visiting female dignitaries are exempt from strict Saudi dress codes for women.

Breast cancer is the No. 1 killer of women in the United Arab Emirates, according to official statistics, with many dying because the stigma surrounding the disease prevents them from seeking early detection. The second biggest killer is Muslim extremists.

Breast cancer awareness campaigns are becoming more prevalent in the Arab world. In Lebanon, for instance, a public service TV announcement shows two round, lit candles. One of them is extinguished as an announcer reads statistics about the disease and reminds women to do mammograms. Then it tells them to obey their men, silently and unquestionably.

Wow, if Laura Bush can help breast cancer awareness, just imagine all the good her husband can do for the region!