Have cancer check-ups often even if you have no symptoms, expert says

A cancer diagnosis does not have to be terminal

Patients have the best chance for successful treatment if cancer is diagnosed early.

Jennifer Esto, who works as a cook in Abu Dhabi, said she was told she had breast cancer in 2020. Vidhyaa Chandramohan / The National

Joylyn Hantig, 41, is hoping to get the final all-clear for breast cancer in the coming months. Photo: Joylyn Hantig

Leodina Fernandez is recovering from thyroid cancer. She said this was possible with the help she received from the Friends of Cancer Patients charity. Photo: Leodina Fernandez

Rahima Shabinaz, pictured here with her husband, said her life has improved significantly after receiving treatment for leukemia. Photo: Rahima Shabinaz

Dr Sawsan Al Madhi, director general of the Friends of Cancer Patients UAE charity, says early detection is crucial in preventing a severe case of cancer. Photo: Dr Sawsan Al Madhi

Dr Ali Ayoob Valiyaveettil, gastrointestinal surgery consultant with Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, expects major advancements in the battle against cancer in the coming years. Photo: Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi

Early detection of cancer could make the difference between life and death, an Emirati doctor has said.

Speaking before World Cancer Day, which is observed annually on February 4, Dr Sawsan Al Madhi, director general of Friends of Cancer Patients UAE, spoke of the importance of regular check-ups.

“Early detection is absolutely crucial in helping to prevent cancer from becoming a terminal condition,” she said.

“That means getting regular screenings, even if you think you are perfectly healthy and have no symptoms.”

The earlier cancer is detected, the more likely it will mean it’s not a death sentence

Dr Sawsan Al Madhi

She said women over the age of 40 should go for regular breast checks and men aged 50 and above must have annual tests to detect colon cancer.

Women should also have cervical screening, known as a smear test, as soon as they become sexually active, Dr Al Madhi said.

“The earlier cancer is detected, the more likely it will mean it’s not a death sentence,” she said.

Cancer cases in the region are predicted to double by 2040, according to a new report released by the Swedish Institute for Health Economics.

Dr Al Madhi said one aspect that was often overlooked in recovery from cancer was mental health.

“The emotional and psychological side is so important,” she said.

“That’s why it’s crucial to have the right support system in place, especially with family and friends.”

One patient who received support from the Friends of Cancer Patients charity was Filipina construction engineer Leodina Fernandez, 59, who had a thyroid cancer diagnosis in 2016.

“I need to get medicine each month for my condition, which thankfully had always been covered through my medical insurance,” said Ms Fernandez, who lives in Sharjah.

“Unfortunately, I lost my job last year but the charity was able to support me in still getting the medicine I need.

“Thankfully, my condition is less aggressive and I don’t need chemotherapy or radiotherapy, I just have to take medicine twice a day.”

Ms Fernandez hopes a test next month will give her the final all-clear, but without the support of the charity her outlook could have been a lot bleaker, she added.

Dubai resident Rahima Shabinaz is also fighting the disease. She was just 21 and expecting a baby when doctors told her she had leukaemia.

She suffered pregnancy loss as a result of her sickness.

Ms Shabinaz, who is Indian, said she has since undergone intense treatment for her condition but her quality of life has improved with the support of Friends of Cancer Patients.

“They helped me with funds to pay for essential care from a hospital in Dubai,” she said.

“I couldn’t have dreamed of help like that and now I am able to manage much better.”

Jennifer Esto, 41, who works in Abu Dhabi as a cook, was told she had breast cancer in 2020 after discovering a painful lump.

“I was able to get access to expensive medicine with the help of the charity, which has helped me since the chemotherapy,” the Filipina said.

“The medicine has helped to reduce the pain and I feel like I am improving all the time, and I’ve now been able to go back to work.”

Teaching assistant Joylyn Hantig, also 41, was left wondering where she would find the money for chemotherapy after she was given a breast cancer diagnosis in 2020.

“My health insurance didn’t cover it and I don’t know what I would have done if the Friends of Cancer Patients hadn’t stepped in and helped me,” the Filipina said.

“I had my last treatment in the summer and have one more check-up to do before getting the all-clear.”

Another cancer patient said being able to pay for his treatment with health insurance was a huge comfort, one that might not have been possible in other countries.

“This is immensely helpful for lower-income people like me,” said Basudev Prasad, a patient at Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi.

He said that while this had helped to put his mind at ease, he was eager to return home to his relatives.

“There has not been any psychological impact of cancer, except that I long to be with my family now,” he said.

“I am leaving for my home soon, as I can’t stay away from them any more.”

Dr Ali Iyoob Valiyaveettil, a gastrointestinal surgery consultant with Burjeel Medical City, said there could be significant discoveries in the battle against cancer in the next five years.

“Various molecular and genetic-level interventions are possible if the exact cause of the cancer is known,” he said.

“Many such interventions are in the market, targeting cancer at a molecular level and further research is ongoing with cancer therapists.

“We can expect big breakthroughs in this field in the coming years.”

12 celebrities who have discussed their breast cancer - in pictures

Lebanese singer Elissa opened up about her battle with breast cancer at Dubai Health Forum in 2019. Getty

Actress Rita Wilson learnt she had breast cancer in 2015. Getty

Hoda Kotb, the Egyptian-American host of NBC’s ‘Today’ show, has spoken about her experience with breast cancer in 2007. Getty

Maggie Smith had breast cancer while filming the final ‘Harry Potter’ movie, when she was 73. Getty

Olivia Newton-John had breast cancer three times and a cancer research centre in her native Australia is named after her. Getty

British singer Sarah Harding died of breast cancer in September 2021. EPA

Music mogul Mathew Knowles had breast cancer. It is rare in men. Getty

Sheryl Crow received a diagnosis of stage one breast cancer in 2006. Getty

Actress Christina Applegate had breast cancer in 2008. Getty

Kylie Minogue learnt she had breast cancer in 2005, when she was 36. She underwent a lumpectomy and chemotherapy. EPA-EFE

Kiss drummer Peter Criss was treated for breast cancer in 2008. Getty

US actress Cynthia Nixon discovered she had stage one breast cancer after a routine mammogram. AFP