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Pink Ribbons are Out; BurJuman Walkathon to Raise Breast Cancer Awareness Today

Latest reports by the Ministry of Health say that around 22 per cent of all new cancer cases in women were breast cancer over the last few years. With a possibility rate of 1 in 12 women developing the cancer, there is a need for a strong educative drive to empower them to fight rather than recline in their struggle.

“Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers that affect women. It first shows as a lump in the breast.

“Women are advised regular self-examination and to immediately consult a doctor if they notice any abnormalities,” said Dr Mustafa Kutiyanawala, general surgeon at Central Private Hospital in Sharjah.

In lieu of the Breast Cancer month, BurJuman will lay the pink carpet at 8am on Friday for a Walkathon to be attended by supporters breaking barriers, participating with vigour to raise funds for patient care and further awareness.

Dubai will also mark this month by assembling 4,000 people to form the largest-ever human version of the movement’s pink ribbon in a collaborative effort by the Grand Hyatt and Burj Al Arab Hotels. The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry chose October 15 as the day to celebrate the success of everyone’s ‘fight’ against breast cancer, where Dr Houriya Kazim, oncologist and head of Wellwoman Clinic in Dubai, presented an enlightening video on the early detection of breast cancer with survivors of the dreaded disease talking about their personal experiences.

“Proper education and exposure through the media will ensure that the outcome is much better than it used to be. Surgery does not have to be so mutilating. We have to make sure people are up-to-date with the latest advances in management and outcomes,” pointed out Dr Rosalie A. Sant, obstetrician and gynaecologist at Welcare Hospital Dubai.

According to the recent data, the highest breast cancer incidence in the UAE occurs in women aged between 45 and 54, while the highest breast cancer mortality rate occurs in women aged between 45 and 59, of which 27 per cent are Emiratis

Women above 40 and those who have a family history of cancer must be alert about changes in the breast that could be cancerous. “Symptoms to look out for include blood discharge from the nipple or changes in the skin over the breast-retraction or dimpling. Breast pain is a common symptom suffered by most women but this is very rarely due to cancer. Nevertheless, if in doubt one must see a breast surgeon,” advised Dr Mustafa.

There lurks a stigma in the region. Many women fear admitting that they could be affected and delay a formal detection. The survival rate is 95-98 per cent after five years if diagnosed early.

“We need to remove the fear of the disease so that people allow themselves to be receptive to advice of the campaigns organised this month that show that just early detection will provide a better outcome compared to ones who come late. We need to make them understand the real meaning of screening, which is to go for a test even when you have no symptoms at all,” stressed Dr Rosalie.

The main treatment for breast cancer is surgery. “Breast examination is a very specialised area. Adjuvant treatment like radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormonal treatment can also be added depending on each individual’s case but requires a dedicated breast unit,” stated Dr Mustafa.

Many women who have gone through the turmoil of breast cancer have emerged victorious cutting the disease at its core. Life does not need to change once you detect the cancer. “We need to show and convince people that it is not a doom and gloom diagnosis,” said Dr Rosalie. With the emotional support of family and friends and with a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet, one can lead a successful cancer-free life.

afshan@khaleejtimes.com

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