Sioux Falls, SD – Local restaurateur Sanaa Abourezk is using a personal health challenge to champion early detection of breast cancer for women across the community. After undergoing surgery for a tumor discovered during a routine mammogram, Abourezk is urging her neighbors to stay vigilant about recommended screenings.
From kitchen to community advocate
Known for her love of cooking and for bringing people together at Sanaa’s 8th Street Gourmet, Abourezk says the diagnosis has deepened her sense of responsibility to the “family” she considers the Sioux Falls community. “You hear cancer, I don’t care if it’s one cell, you think of death,” she told Dakota News Now, underscoring the fear that can accompany a cancer diagnosis.
A missed screening and a hard‑earned lesson
Abourezk admits she delayed her annual mammogram for about 16 months, despite having a clean record in prior years. “I’ve been doing it every year, nothing. So, I ignored it for about 16 months,” she explained. The eventual screening revealed the cancer early enough for surgery, but the experience reinforced the importance of consistent follow‑up, even when past exams have been clear.
Call to action for women
Her message is simple and urgent: “Schedule your appointment. Please schedule your appointment.” Abourezk hopes her story will motivate women to keep up with their health appointments, especially those recommended by doctors for early detection of breast cancer.
Community support and business continuity
While she recovers, Abourezk has stepped away from day‑to‑day operations at her restaurant, trusting her staff to continue serving customers. She expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from Sioux Falls residents, saying, “With the community in town, I feel like I have a huge family.” The solidarity she describes reflects the close‑knit nature of the city’s small‑business environment.
Living in the moment
Beyond the health message, Abourezk emphasizes a broader outlook on life. “Enjoy every minute… Live life to the fullest! And keep dancing,” she said, encouraging others to cherish each day while pursuing the activities they love.
Why early detection matters
Medical experts consistently stress that early detection of breast cancer dramatically improves treatment outcomes. Regular mammograms, typically recommended annually for women over 40, can catch tumors before they spread, increasing survival rates and reducing the need for more aggressive therapies.
Abourezk’s experience serves as a reminder that even those who have never faced a health scare should remain proactive. By scheduling routine screenings, women can protect their health and maintain the ability to enjoy family, work, and community life—values that lie at the heart of Sioux Falls.
Original reporting: Dakota News Now KSFY Sioux Falls (local) — read the source article.
