‘Early detection saves lives in 98% breast cancer cases’
Dr Taghreed urges women to go in for regular screenings
The success of breast cancer surgery is higher when the cancer is caught in its early stages before it has spread to the lymph nodes or the rest of the body. The cure for a Stage I breast cancer can reach 98 per cent, said Dr Taghreed Almahmeed, Consultant General Surgeon and Breast Specialist.
Dr Almahmeed, who works at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, was encouraging education about the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, the most common form of cancer diagnosed in women, in October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, marked in countries across the world.
“There is no sure way to prevent breast cancer but there are things you can do to lower your risk,” Dr. Almahmeed said.
Dr. Almahmeed, who has Emirati/Bahraini background, advised women to regularly check their breasts.
“You have to familiarise yourself with potential breast cancer symptoms. It’s important to do monthly self-breast exams starting at the age of 25 and a clinical breast exam would be part of your annual checkup with your doctor,” she said.