Dubai Medical College marks breast cancer awareness month

Dubai Medical College (DMC) organised a workshop at its campus to mark the International Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The workshop focused on raising awareness among students and staff on breast cancer detection and prevention.

Addressing the audience, Professor Fatheia Bayumi, Chief Academic Officer of DMC, said: “It is important to know that early detection of breast cancer results in complete cure in 98 per cent of the cases, and protects women from the side effects of intensive treatment."

She added that breast cancer awareness is critical in developing positive feelings and encouraging positive actions which are essential in early detection and cure.

A total of 300 women from DMC and Dubai Pharmacy College participated in the workshop. The activities included free breast cancer test, lecture by experts and interactive presentations.

Talking about the fear and stigma associated with breast cancer, Khadija Al Mansuri from Friends of Cancer Patients’ Association said: “Being diagnosed with breast cancer does not necessarily mean death. Fear is a natural reaction, but with appropriate treatment more people are surviving cancer and leading happy, productive and satisfying lives.”

Sharing her own story as a survivor, Dr Salwa Abdel-Mawla stressed upon the importance of the psychological support in the recovery of the patients.

“You can be told you have 90 per cent or one per cent chance. But as long as you take that chance and believe in yourself that is the first stage of recovery. I am living proof that you get a second chance, and the second time around is better than the first," she said.

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