DUBAI // Breast cancer screening equipment is being installed at three Dubai Health Authority care centres to promote early detection and prevention of the disease.
A Dh2 million mammogram machine has already been introduced at Al Barsha Health Centre.
The machines will be introduced to Nad Al Hamar Health Centre next month and Al Mizhar by the end of the year.
Al Barsha Primary Health Centre has two radiologists and four radiographers who will conduct a weekly breast-screening clinic.
Dubai residents welcomed the move.
“Having more breast cancer screening clinics will help to raise awareness on the disease, which is, in my opinion, one of the scariest topics for women,” said Dubai resident Wafa Mustafa, 51. “Some women think that this is something that could never happen to them, but this disease knows no age or race.
“When my friend, who was 43 years old, was diagnosed with breast cancer she was shocked. She thought that since it didn’t run in her family she had nothing to worry about.
“If more centres are established, and all that money is put in, it will show the importance of early detection.”
Maya Al Taher, 29, who also lives in Dubai, said: “When my doctor found that breast cancer runs in my family he insisted that I start getting checked once a year.
“I have something called fibroadenoma. Since I never removed it, I am required to do an ultrasound once a year.
“My understanding was that since I’m under the age of 35, I shouldn’t have to get mammograms.
“Providing more breast cancer screening centres is a great step towards fighting the disease. Our only source of prevention is early detection and the more centres, the more awareness.
Dr Manal Taryam, chief executive of primary health care at the DHA, said: “DHA primary healthcare centres have always advised those who are 40 years or older, as well as those with a family history of cancer, to get themselves screened.”
Before the machines were introduced at Al Barsha, patients would be referred to DHA hospitals.
By equipping other centres with the technology, the authority says it can better provide access to those who are in danger.
“The aim of breast screening is to detect breast cancer early so that treatment will be more effective,” said Dr Taryam.
“With early detection the prognosis of the patient is much better, with an increased chance of survival and statistically higher life expectancy.”
Women with a family history of breast cancer need to be screened much earlier on.
“If someone has a relative who’s been diagnosed, for instance if the patient’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 39, the patient should begin her breast cancer screening at 29 years, at least 10 years prior to maximise the chances of early detection,” said Dr Taryam.
Essa Al Maidoor, director general of the DHA, said breast cancer was the most common cancer in women worldwide.
“Through the introduction of this service, we will further improve quality of care and enhance preventive care, which leads to improved patient outcomes,” said Mr Al Maidoor.
Health professionals at the DHA advised all women to begin screening at 40 years or earlier, depending on family history and other factors.
Tests should be repeated every few years to best prevent the disease.
nalwasmi@thenational.ae
dmoukhallati@thenational.ae
