KT event raises awareness, dispels myths about cancer
dubai — Cancer can affect people in different ways: Survivors and their caregivers emerge stronger and resilient while many others lose hope, experts said in a cancer awareness event on Wednesday.
Experts said, however, that people shouldn’t lose hope since the disease is curable if caught in its early stages. Raising awareness of cancer prevention and cure this month, health experts from Thumbay Hospital, in partnership with Khaleej Times, held free talks for KT readers to dispel myths about breast cancer and discuss prevention and vaccination for cervical cancer.
Dr Nidha Iqbal, specialist oncologist from Thumbay Hospital, Dubai, who delivered a talk on ‘Knowledge is the Cure’, said breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UAE. “There are at least 45 new breast cancer cases discovered in the UAE each year,” she said.
Describing the risk factors, Dr Iqbal said that age, genetics and exposure to risk factors make people prone to cancer. “Smoking, poor dietary habits and obesity also lead to cancer.”
“Breast cancer in the UAE occurs at an earlier age than those in North America and Europe,” said Dr Iqbal.
She also said that early detec- tion is important to improve survival rates. Symptoms of breast cancer include rash on the nipple, lump in the breast, swelling, pain, and tenderness of the nipple.
Dr Sura Alwan, specialist gynaecologist, spoke about cervical cancer and the importance of timely screening — especially between the ages of 21 and 45 years. “Every woman in this age group should be screened every three years and a pap smear test should be done,” she said.
In the UAE, every six in 100,000 people are diagnosed with cervical cancer, said the doctor, adding that the cancer was caused by the human papilloma virus.
Risk factors for the cancer include multiple sexual partners, unprotected sex, family history, smoking, sex before the age of 18, and a weak immune system.
She also said that a vaccine given in three doses is the best defence against the disease. Other doctors on the panel included Dr Salil, specialist laparoscopic surgeon; Dr Mohanad Sultan, consultant laparoscopic surgeon; Dr Piyush Somani, gastroenterologist; and Dr Mahesh, pulmonologist.
All attendees were given a wellness gift hamper while first 50 registrants got a free mammogram check at Thumbay Hospital, Dubai. Indus Restaurant, Plan B and MasterMind supported the event.