FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER STARTS WITH EARLY DETECTION, SAY DOCTORS
Free screenings a critical weapon in the battle to educate more women about the dangers of the illness
Increasing numbers of women are taking advantage of free breast screening to spot the signs of the world’s most prevalent cancer, hospitals and campaigners said.
Zulekha Hospital yesterday launched a campaign offering free X-ray mammograms and consultations for the rest of the year, and said that almost 3,000 people took advantage of a similar drive last year, up from 850 in 2014.
A similar 10-day campaign held in March by the Friends of Cancer Patients screened close to 7,500 people for breast cancer during the annual Pink Caravan ride across the country.
In that time, 12 cases of malignant cancers were found during screenings, the most since 2011.
But the trend also casts the spotlight on the fact that free screenings are necessary, given that medical insurance often does not cover such checks.
Zulekha announced a 59 per cent increase in women attending free screenings last year, compared with 2015, as part of its breast cancer campaign that is now in its sixth year.
“It is these staggering figures that reveal the important role of early detection in order to save the lives of women all over the world,” said Dr Pamela Munster, who is an ambassador for the Zulekha Hospital screening campaign.
“As healthcare professionals, it is our duty to better educate women in the UAE and empower them to take charge of their health.
“In doing so, the campaign helps to reduce breast cancer fatalities in the UAE.”
Health authorities aim to reduce cancer fatalities in the UAE by 18 per cent before 2021.
A major component of that strategy is early detection, as 98 per cent of those with breast cancer survive, if the disease is detected early.
Basic health insurance however does not currently cover the cost of most cancer screenings and treatments, forcing many patients to go abroad for cancer related healthcare.
Women over 45, or younger women with a family history of breast cancer, are advised to have annual mammograms, or at least every other year.
Screening costs from Dh400 to Dh1350, with chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy sending costs rocketing if doctors diagnose breast cancer.
Zulekha Hospital’s Pink It Now campaign aims to raise breast cancer awareness, the importance of early detection and the benefit of regular check-ups.
Of 100,000 mammograms completed at Zulekha Hospital, doctors find abnormalities in about 100 cases.
Survivors shared their experiences just after the launch of an exclusive online cancer support forum named Pink Knights.
The forum will continue to connect those who battled against cancer and recovered to share their experiences.
According to the World Health Organisation, 8.8 million people died from cancer globally in 2015, of which 30 to 50 per cent were a result of cancers that could have been prevented while breast cancer was the top cancer in women across the world.
“We want to devote our time to raise awareness of breast cancer and honour the thousands of women across the region who have been diagnosed,” said Dr Hussain Al Rand, assistant undersecretary at the Ministry of Health and Prevention.
“It is part of our role in the Government of the UAE to make more women aware of not just breast cancer, but other forms of cancer too.”
Rahma, the cancer patient care society, is one of a growing number of charities helping to support those who may not be able to afford the costs of treatment and recovery.
It offers information on what support is available, and can help with the financial demands made of those on a low income.
The society has access to a database of the best medical centres and hospitals around the world, with information on costs and treatments available to patients.
“The cost of medicines and cancer care is high and, in some cases, insurance companies fall short,” Nora Al Suwaidi, director general of Rahma, said last week.
“We have patients in labour camps, their family members and widows who can’t even afford the ride to the hospital, let alone the high cost of treatment.
“Palliative care centres are also limited in the UAE. This requirement should be addressed by government and private hospitals.”
“The UAE is great with awareness, but more support needs to be provided to those with cancer because they can be forgotten about.
“Non-profit organisations are important because they can help in the areas where the government is unable to fill.
“Some people rely on established non-profit organisations to help them get the care they need.”
We want to devote our time to raise awareness of breast cancer and honour the thousands of women across the region who have been diagnosed DR HUSSAIN AL RAND Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Health and Prevention