Beirut, 16 October 2026: The Barbara Nassar Cancer Center, Lebanon’s first specialized center dedicated to cancer supportive care, is expanding its free services this Breast Cancer Awareness Month with the opening of a “Snoezelen Room,” made possible through a donation from AstraZeneca.
Originating in the Netherlands, the Snoezelen concept takes its name from two Dutch words meaning “to explore” and “to doze.” A Snoezelen room provides a multisensory therapeutic environment using soft lighting, soothing sounds, gentle textures and calming sensory experiences that promote relaxation, comfort, and emotional wellbeing.
“Cancer care must go beyond medical treatment to address patients’ physical and emotional needs,” said Hani Nassar, President and Founder of the Barbara Nassar Association. “Offering our services free of charge is possible thanks to the generosity of our partners, donors, volunteers, and the wider community.”
“At AstraZeneca, we are working to transform outcomes and bring patients closer to a future where cancer can be detected earlier, treated more effectively, and, ultimately, cured.” said Agnar Aboujaoude, Country Director, AstraZeneca Lebanon. “We are working with the Barbara Nassar Cancer Center to raise awareness of early detection and help ensure that patients receive the support, dignity and care they deserve throughout their journey, in line with AstraZeneca’s ambition for 2030 to leave no patient behind and eliminate cancer as a cause of death.”
The Barbara Nassar Association has supported adults affected by cancer in Lebanon since 2014. Building on this commitment, the Association opened the Barbara Nassar Cancer Center in January 2024, located in Achrafieh within the Azarieh campus. The Center offers free physical rehabilitation, psychological and mental health support, and wellness activities, along with a community that helps people heal, regain strength, and live with dignity and a greater quality of life.
About AstraZeneca:
AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca’s innovative medicines are sold in more than 125 countries and used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit astrazeneca.com and follow the Company on social media @AstraZeneca.