One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime

Dubai-UAE: 20 October, 2015 - Breast cancer is not just a disease that affects celebrities such as Angelina Jolie or Giuliani Rancic; it’s not just a disease that affects women only in the US or Europe; it’s a disease that could afflict anyone and anywhere. In fact, about 85 per cent of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of it. And that’s exactly why awareness and early detection are key elements in curbing its onslaught.

Every year in October, people all over the world acknowledge the importance of breast cancer awareness. They reinforce their commitment to lessen the risk of the disease by raising funds for research and joining hands to take the message to women across the world that early detection is the difference between life and death, especially if it involves someone you love. Medeor 24x7 Hospital, Dubai is also part of that movement. The hospital is offering Free Consultation with the Gynecologist and Free Self Breast Examination techniques and advise from October 15th to 30th.

According to the World Health Organisation’ Global Health Estimates for 2013, it is estimated that worldwide over 508, 000 women died in 2011 due to breast cancer. But it is the survivors that draw our attention. Dubai Health Authority’s figures state that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. The statistics also showed that there are about 2.6 million female survivors of breast cancer in the world, the survival rate being 27 per cent in the advanced stage but 98 per cent when detected early.

“The risk of breast cancer is higher in women above the age of 40 and upwards. There are several risk factors that predispose women (and in rare cases, men) to this form of cancer. These include age, genetics, lifestyle habits, including diet, lack of exercise, being overweight, history of smoking, exposure to chemicals and carcinogenic compounds, use of hormone therapy and other hormonal influences,” said Dr. Shiva Harikrishnan, Consultant Obstetrician and Laparoscopic Gynecologist, and Head of Obs. & Gyn, Medeor 24x7 Hospital, Dubai.

“Some of the symptoms that can indicate the presence of cancer in the breast/s include a change in the shape of appearance of the breast/s, a lump or lumps in the breasts, tenderness in different areas of the breast including the nipples, discharge from the nipples, or other irregularities. These can often be caught during self-examination, or routine mammograms. Every woman above the age of 35 should therefore regularly conduct breast self-examinations and yearly imaging to watch out for such symptoms,” said Dr, Harikrishnan.

Ultrasound, Mammogram and MRIs are used for women who have high risk factors for the disease. “A biopsy is done when mammograms, imaging tests, and a physical exam find an abnormality that could possibly be cancer. During a biopsy, a sample of the abnormal tissue is removed and checked in the laboratory. There are several types of biopsies, such as fine needle aspiration biopsy, core biopsy and surgical biopsy. These confirm if the patient has cancer,” said Dr. Dildar Hussain, Specialist General Surgeon, Medeor 24x7 Hospital.

“Breast cancer starts in the cells of the breast as a group of cancer cells that can then spread or metastasize to other areas of the body. The cancer, which can affect one or both breasts, can start in the cells of the lobules, which are glands that produce milk, or the ducts that drain milk from the lobules to the nipple. The carcinoma arising from the ducts is called ductal carcinoma. This is common type of breast cancer. The carcinoma arising from the lobules is called lobular carcinoma. The less common types of breast cancer include inflammatory breast cancer, medullary carcinoma and mixed carcinoma. ” said Dr. Hussain. 

Treatment for removal of the cancer could involve chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy and surgical removal of the cancerous tissues (lumpectomy, mastectomy) depending on the type and stage of cancer. Some patients are recommended to shrink the tumour, while others could require both surgery and radiotherapy. “We can perform a lumpectomy, which involves a removal of a part of the cancerous tissue, or removal of the entire breast issue which is called mastectomy. Patients can choose to have a breast reconstruction surgery after that. Some patients may also need chemotherapy post-surgery,” said Dr. Hussain.

The chances of these treatments being successful depend on how early the disease is caught and the general health of the patient. This is why we recommend that women eat right, exercise enough and keep a watchful eye on their health. Women are at the heart of our society and it is our duty to ensure that they stay healthy and strong as that affects society at large,” said Dr. Harikrishnan.

“Medeor 24x7 Hospital is committed to the upliftment and betterment of society and this is reflected in our show of solidarity during the month of October and beyond  towards breast cancer awareness,” said Dr. Shajir Gaffar, the CEO for VPS Healthcare for Dubai and the Northern Emirates.