KT community marks Women’s Day with camp

dubai — To mark the International Women’s Day on March 8, a wellness camp was organised at the Khaleej Times headquarters in Dubai.

The aim of the initiative was to raise awareness about breast and cervical cancer and its prevention among women. Female employees from all the companies under Galadari Brothers group attended the event.

It included Galadari Ice Cream Co. Ltd. (L.L.C), Galadari Automobiles Co. Ltd (L.L.C), Galadari Trucks & Heavy Equipment Co. Ltd (L.L.C), Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, GB Equipment Solutions LLC – A Galadari Brothers Division, Galadari Printing and Publishing and Galadari Brothers head office. Around 100 ladies gathered and actively participated in the discussion that followed after the session by doctors from Thumbay Hospital.

Dr Lakshmi Archana Kumar, specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology, said that women should remember that breast and cervical cancers “are the most common and at the same time highly preventable, very well treatable diseases. Unless you’re aware of the problems, you will not be able to treat them,” she said.

Outlining the causes that leads to cancer she said, “Smoking, HIV or Aids, anxiety, long-term usage of birth control pills and having multiple sexual partners or engaging with a person with multiple sexual partners.”

Although we read up a lot on the Internet and are well-aware, Dr Lakshmi touched upon facts that were not known to the ladies. “Having sex at an early age can increase your chances of cervical cancer and late childbirth after the age of 30 can lead to breast cancer,” she said.

It is important to know that cervical cancer is caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) and anyone who has had sex is at risk of HPV. But the cancer occurs when cells on cervix, the lower part of uterus see abnormal growth. Vaginal bleeding, pain in the lower belly or during sex, and abnormal vaginal discharge, are some of the symptoms to look out for.

The camp also included a talk by Dr Sadia Javed, general dentist, who talked about common oral problems and ways to deal with poor oral hygiene.