A total of 39 women died because of breast cancer only in the UAE last year in only medical institutions under the UAE Ministry of Health, according to figures released for last year.
These cases, according to the ministry, do not include cases which were registered at the medical institutions under Abu Dhabi Health Authority, Dubai Health Authority, private sector institutions and those who were getting treatment abroad as the numbers are much higher than this.
Speaking to Emirates 24|7, Dr. Shaeenah Dawood, Medical Oncologist at Dubai Hospital said that breast cancer is considered the most common cancer in the country, and it counts for almost 60 per cent of all cancer cases seen at Dubai Hospital.
“We don’t know the reason why it is the most common form of cancer here. It might be genetic or maybe because we have a mixture of nationalities from all over the world. And breast cancer is not only the most common cancer in the UAE, but also worldwide.”
Dr. Saheenah pointed out that the average age of women who get breast cancer in the UAE is about 10 years younger than women in Europe and USA.
“In Europe and the USA, the average age of women when they are diagnosed with breast cancer is between 55 years to 65 years. While in the UAE, the average age of diagnosis is between 45 years and 55 years. Here, the cases are 10 years younger.”
“Breast cancer awareness in the UAE now is much better than before. Now, people are aware, but still not everybody. The more women and men are aware, the better it is as the earlier they diagnose breast cancer the higher cure rate they will have.”
She pointed out that they treat both national and expatriate women, and the cases of breast cancer is more common among expatriate women.
“Here in the emirate, we treat most of the women. We have all the treatment facilities available as well as we have qualified doctors and medical experts and professionals.”
Dr. Saheenah stressed on the importance of regular check-ups for women after every menstrual period.
“Self-checkups is the key because early detection of the tumour can result in high cure rate and survival.”
The five steps of a breast self-exam:
According to the Breastcancer.org, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing reliable, complete, and up-to-date information about breast cancer, there are five steps of breast self exam, which women must do every month. Through this exam, a woman can detect breast cancer in an early stage, and thus will have higher cure rate.
These steps are:
Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips.
Here's what you should look for:
* Breasts that are their usual size, shape, and color
* Breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling
If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor's attention:
* Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin
* A nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out)
* Redness, soreness, rash, or swelling
Step 2: Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes.
Step 3: While you're at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood).
Step 4: Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion, about the size of a quarter.
Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side — from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.
Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. You can also move your fingers up and down vertically, in rows, as if you were mowing a lawn. This up-and-down approach seems to work best for most women. Be sure to feel all the tissue from the front to the back of your breasts: for the skin and tissue just beneath, use light pressure; use medium pressure for tissue in the middle of your breasts; use firm pressure for the deep tissue in the back. When you've reached the deep tissue, you should be able to feel down to your ribcage.
Step 5: Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in step 4.
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