I never felt like a patient, recalls cancer survivor
dubai — Syrian expat Anoud, 42, was sure something is not right with her body when she felt a lump in her breast while taking a shower. “I used to do regular self-examinations almost monthly since I was aware that early breast cancer detection can save one’s life. And when I felt the lump, I was almost sure that it was something malignant.”
Anoud did not delay and rushed to a gynaecologist who confirmed that it was an early stage of breast cancer. On March 7, Anoud went to hospital for treatment and now is on her way to completely recover from the deadly disease.
Anoud, a single mom of two, was sharing her story of surviving cancer at the Zulekha Healthcare Group’s breast cancer campaign, ‘Pink It Now’ on Monday.
“I had an operation done on March 16 and chemotherapy sessions started in May. I am lucky that the recent tests have shown that the cancer has completely gone now and for that I am not only grateful to the doctors of Zulekha hospital but also my employers at the RAK Economic Zone who supported me emotionally and financially.”
Anoud said: “I never had time
Cancer is a journey, you have to live and love and only then you will defeat it. Let it not control you… live with it and love it. Anoud, Syrian expat
for myself as I would be busy running here and there, doing chores and managing the house. But cancer has been a boon as it has made me count my blessings and I have learnt to live and love better.”
Survivors shared their experiences just after the launch of an exclusive cancer support forum of Zulekha Hospital this year named “Pink Knights”.
Sending out a message of hope to all cancer patients, Anoud said: “However sick you may get, never feel like a patient. Cancer is a journey, you have to live and love and only then you will defeat it. Let it not control you… live with it and love it.” The guets at the event included Humaid Al Qatami, chairman of the board and director-general of Dubai Health Authority (DHA); Dr Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, assistant undersecretary of health centres and clinics sector, Ministry of Health & Prevention, Dr Layla Al Marzouqi, director, Dubai Medical Tourism Project, DHA; Vipul, Consul General of India, and many others.
According to the World Health Organisation, 8.8 million people died from cancer globally in 2015, of which up to 30-50 per cent of cancers could be prevented.