80% of cancerous lumps detected by victims

Around 160 women develop breast cancer every year in Abu Dhabi only, and 80 per cent of all cancerous lumps are found by women themselves, according to Abu Dhabi Health Authority.

Health experts warned that cancer is the third leading cause of death in the UAE after cardiovascular diseases and accidents.

The Ministry of Health indicates that cancer accounts for approximately 500 deaths per year, with up to 22.8% diagnosed cancer cases.

Dr Falah Al Khatib, a consultant radiologist at Tawam Hospital in Al Ain told Emirates 24|7 that here, majority of breast caner is discovered in early ages.

"In the developed countries, breast cancer normally occurs in women aged between 45 to 54 years of age. However here in the UAE, women of younger age group are getting it because majority of the population is young. Women as young as 29 years are having breast cancer in the UAE."

Dr Al Khatib added that there are many reasons for cancers.

"The most common reason is genetic. It can also be inherited if there were cases of cancer in the family."

He pointed out that as a percentage, breast cancer is about 19 per cent of all cancers among males and females in the UAE.

"However, if we look at women cancer patients only, then breast cancer forms around 30 per cent of all the cases. This is too high, and it the top cancer in the country," he said.

Dr Al Khatib stressed that regular check ups play a key role in saving the lives of breast cancer patients.

"All the women aged 40 years and above must do ultrasound and mammograms once every two years. This is very important because early detection of the cancer is the key to save the lives of the patients."

He pointed out that cancer treatment in the UAE is advanced and of top level.

"Here, we treat all types of cancer. We have up-to-date equipments and procedures which help us to do so. In some cases, patients are sent abroad for the treatment."

According to the Breast Cancer Registry in Tawam HospitalIn, in 1998, Tawam Hospital regisetered 126 breast cancer cases which jumped to 255 cases in 2008. Of these, 49 cases were among women aged below 40 years.

Last year, Abu Dhabi recorded the highest number of breast cancer cases with 51%, and 17% of the cases were from Dubai and Sharjah.

Of these, 69 cases were among UAE nationals and 240 cases were among expatriates.
 

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.