98% survival if breast cancer detected early

In light of Dubai Pink Ride that was held on Thursday to raise awareness about breast cancer in the emirate, the disease was topic of the weekly Twitter clinic held by the Dubai Health Authority ( DHA ).

“Globally every 1.7 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. It is estimated that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. This highlights the magnitude of the problem," said Shamsa Abdulla bin Hammad, Head, DHA's Community Health Services Programme.

As impressive as these numbers are, so are the results of early detection. In fact, when breast cancer is detected early on, the survival rate is 98 per cent, however if the disease is detected in the advanced stage, survival is only 27 per cent, pointed the doctor out.

Zaid Abdulaziz Al Mazim, consultant general surgeon at Dubai Hospital highlighted that early treatment is the best way to preserve breasts, battle the cancer and is also helpful for those women who need partial or total breast reconstruction as early diagnosis gives plastic surgeons several clinical options to preserve the natural shape and function of the breasts.

The first mammogram should take place at 40 years of age and every year thereafter, said Hammad.

"Those with a family history of breast cancer should begin screening earlier. If a woman has a first degree relative with breast cancer, she should opt for yearly mammogram screening 10 years before the age of her relative’s diagnosis. However she should start regular clinical breast exam and self-exams earlier.”

DHA primary healthcare centres including Al Barsha, Nad Al Hamar and Al Mizhar offer mammogram screenings and women visiting any of the 13 DHA PHC’s can book a mammogram screening at these centres, said Suad Hashim, community family physician and head of clinical prevention and health promotion unit at primary healthcare center.

The Dubai Pink Ride was held in collaboration with several entities including Roads and Transports Authority, Dubai Ambulance, Dubai Police and Union Cooperation.

The ride began at 7.30 am.

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