From early detection to fertility preservation, breast cancer patients in the UAE now have access to the best treatment and healthcare
Accredited by the Department of Health as a screening centre for breast cancer, Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women & Children boasts a multidisciplinary team, innovative practices and the latest healthcare technology.
In honour of Pinktober, the hospital has conducted several workshops throughout the month, both online and offline across the UAE capital. Furthermore, all attendees were gifted a complimentary mammogram, valid until the end of the year.
While statistics might indicate an upward trend in breast cancer, Dr Summia Zaher, Consultant in Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Acting Lead of the Department, attributes this to increased awareness and better science.
“We are detecting more breast cancer cases than ever at a much earlier stage. While the numbers might look like it is on the increase, the five-year survival rates are also up to 99 per cent. Women are more empowered about the health of their breasts, and I think that’s a real success of the public health campaign,” she says.
The doctor recommends self-examinations for women as early as in their twenties and routine mammograms every two years for women over 40. In cases of family history, the screenings should be started much earlier.
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She explains, “While the breast changes during hormonal cycles, common signs to look out for are a lump in the breast or armpit. Other signs are skin redness, dimpling of the skin or any puckering, retracted nipples or new discharge from the nipple, particularly anything that’s blood-stained. It’s important to compare the two breasts and note any alarming differences.”
The screening facilities offered by the hospital are top-notch, ranging from mammograms to breast ultrasounds, ultrasound-guided biopsies, CT-guided biopsies, MRI and stereotactic biopsies as well.
A lesser discussed yet equally significant topic remains men being afflicted by the same. While considerably rare, men can get breast cancer too. Presenting similar symptoms, the only differences occur in terms of age and survival rate.
Dr Summia says, “The five-year survival rate for male breast cancer is slightly lower, unfortunately, than for female breast cancer. The main reason for that is really that breast cancer in men is diagnosed later. The average age group in men tends to be about 67, compared to 62 for women. They have more comorbidities at that age, and men will quite often neglect any kind of examination, not noticing any changes until much later.”
One self-examination today could take you a long way.
For more information, visit danatalemarat.ae/
Exploring fertility preservation for breast cancer patients
When it comes to oncofertility options, Dr Ripal Madnani, Specialist in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (IVF) at HealthPlus Fertility & Women’s Health Center highlights evolution in technology and thought.
“Our focus has changed, from just preserving cancer patients’ life to improving quality of life,” she says. Basic cancer treatment options involve chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which can be damaging to oocytes typically for females and in cases of males, damaging sperm, paving the way for fertility preservation.”
“There are multiple available options including egg freezing, embryo freezing, ovarian tissue cryopreservation and lastly ovarian tissue transposition. There is also In Vitro maturation, however, that is still in its research phase,” Dr Ripal explains.
Of the lot, Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation marks a new development in oncofertility, with HealthPlus Fertility & Women’s Health Center being the first to provide this service in the UAE.
The method involves the fast freezing of ovarian tissue and has shown increased efficacy over time. While fertility preservation is a largely safe option for most patients, Dr Ripal explains how it differs for breast cancer patients.
“We have to specifically take care of the patients as the tumour is positive for the hormone receptors. In that case, we just modify our treatment or Stimulation Protocol in terms of giving certain medication that would control the level of hormones in the females,” she says.
For more information, visit healthplusivf.com
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