Women in UAE ignore cancer symptoms to avoid mastectomy: Surgeon

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UAE, with the number of sufferers increasing by 20 per cent since 2009, according to figures released by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

According to an Abu Dhabi-based surgeon, the stigma associated with cancer in the region is one of the reasons for the late diagnosis. “Women in the region are worried about having to go through the trauma of breast cancer tissue removal (mastectomy) so they ignore the symptoms,” says Dr. Nabil Debouni, Medical Director and Consultant – General Surgery at Abu Dhabi’s Burjeel Hospital.

“If detected at stage 1, the chances of survival are between 95 to 100 per cent. The chances of survival reduce to 86 per cent if detected at stage 2, and becomes 57 per cent only at stage 3,” he adds.

The DHA study revealed that a good number of UAE patients are below the age of 40 and have a positive family history of cancer. Further, the majority of cancers were discovered in the second stage and 30 per cent were discovered in the third stage of the disease.

“This can be changed if women start becoming more proactive about their health,” says Dr. Debouni.

According to the World Health Organization in 2013, the UAE has a higher incident rate compared to its Pan-Arab neighbours. Dr. Nabil said this is because the UAE enjoys increased life expectancy, increased suburbanisation, and also a more Westernised way of life.

“In spite of enjoying a higher standard of living, women in the UAE still consider breast cancer a taboo subject because they view mastectomy as disfiguring of the female physique,” explains Dr. Nabil. “If detected early there is no need for the complete removal of the breast, rather only the tumour is removed (lumpectomy).”

Dr. Nabil stresses that those with a family history of breast cancer should do regular self-breast examinations starting from age 20 onwards. They should also go for clinical examinations by a doctor every 3 years. Once women cross age 40, regardless of family history, he advises that they should continue the self-breast examinations and get a mammogram done every two years.

Women with prolonged oestrogen exposure are also at risk for contracting breast cancer. Those who started menstruating at a young age (younger than 13), those who have not given birth or have not breast fed, those who had their first child after the age of 30, those who use/have used oral contraceptives, those who have used hormone replacement therapy, and those who had late menopause (after the age of 50) have a higher chance of getting breast cancer.

Lifestyle habits like excess alcohol intake, obesity, physical inactivity and smoking also put women at higher risk of breast cancer. Dr. Nabil advises those who fall in these categories to be proactive about breast examinations.

“Some women are exposed to chemicals, radiation and electromagnetic fields on a daily basis because of work. These external factors also place a risk of developing breast cancer, so it is highly advisable that they regularly get checked for breast cancer,” advises Dr. Nabil.

“We are keen to stress early detection on any disease or condition as this aid a speedy recovery,” said Clancey Po, the CEO of Burjeel Hospital.

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